Essay by Doreen Cuevas-Rañada, Cagayan de Oro City

A study I conducted in line with my work in the academe breaks down the four reasons Filipinos watch Senate hearings on Facebook Live.

Spoiler: entertainment wins over policy every time.

Let's be honest — Senate hearings weren't always must-see TV. But thanks to Facebook Live, they've become appointment viewing. There’s no need for cable or a news anchor telling us what to think. Now, we just open your phone and suddenly we’re watching senators go at it in real time. It's raw, it's unfiltered, and honestly, it's kind of addictive.

The study set out to answer a simple question: Why are we all watching? I, the researcher, sat down with people who watched the POGO Senate hearings and asked what kept them coming back.

Using the Uses and Gratifications Theory — fancy words for "why people choose to do what they do" — they identified four main reasons:

1. To get the scoop.

Some people just want to know what's happening. No filter, no middleman. Just straight from the hearing room to their phone. Live streaming lets viewers skip traditional news and get information straight from the source raw and in real time.

2. To join the conversation.

Watching alone can be boring. That's why the chatbox is a game-changer. People love arguing, joking, and reacting with strangers who are just as invested. It turns a formal government proceeding into a shared experience—like watching a basketball game with friends.

3. For the drama.

Let's call it what it is. Senate hearings can be entertaining. The confrontations, emotional outbursts, and hero-and-villain narratives feel like a teleserye, but with real consequences. Many tune in not for policy, but for the spectacle. And honestly? That's not necessarily a bad thing. Still, the study found that the drama can sometimes overshadow the actual issues.

4. Because it feels like duty.

For some, watching is a form of civic participation. They feel like they're doing their part—staying informed, keeping politicians in check, and witnessing democracy in action. It's the kind of motivation that makes scrolling feel a little more meaningful.

So what's the takeaway? All four reasons are valid. But the study found that entertainment usually comes out on top.

The dramatic moments get clipped, shared, and talked about more than the policy discussions. Even people who start watching to seek information can get pulled into the spectacle. It's not necessarily harmful — but it does raise a question: Are we actually learning, or are we just being entertained?

The study suggests we all need a little media literacy — basically, learning to spot the difference between substance and spectacle.

Also, maybe we can all try to talk about hearings without turning everything into a heroes-versus-villains showdown. Just a thought.