Internet Dependence and Fact-Checking among Senior High School Learners in Davao City

The study aimed to determine the significant relationship between internet dependence and fact-checking among senior high school learners in Davao City. The study used a quantitative research design utilizing the descriptive-correlational method. A random sampling technique was employed to identify the 250 senior high school learners in three public secondary institutions in Davao City – one school per district. They served as the respondents of the study. To guarantee ethical standards in data gathering, the paper underwent an ethics review and secured an ethical clearance from the ethics board then, informed consent was accomplished. Data gathering was done online using Google Forms. In analyzing the data, mean, Pearson Product Moment Correlation of Coefficient, and Regression Analysis were used. The researcher found that there is a significant relationship between internet dependence and fact-checking among senior high school learners in Davao City. Further, the results showed that both levels of internet dependence and fact-checking among senior high school learners were high. Finally, the analysis, it was revealed that the indicators of internet dependence concerning the perception of internet dependence and the impact of internet dependence significantly influence the fact-checking of senior high school learners. Furthermore, the Department of Education may include further information about fact-checking to be embedded in the curriculum and make it one of the competencies that students must have. Moreover, the school heads may formulate policies and guidelines for the implementation of fact-checking skills among learners in the curriculum standards to ensure efficient implementation.