In all of human history, we have never had so much information easily accessible and this vastly distributed. We are still very new to this age of social media where anyone can share anything. So, we are still learning how to filter this information out.
Today, it is easier than ever to fool and to be fooled.
Hence, it is important to not believe everything that we see on the web.
We need to protect ourselves from it and stay responsibly informed.
In a 2019 survey, it was found that 88% of first-time voters agreed that fake news was a problem in decision-making. It has become a global concern.
India is the biggest market for the instant messaging app – WhatsApp. It is easy to simply forward messages to numerous people. To overcome the issue, WhatsApp is now taking measures to limit the number of forwards being sent. But this doesn’t completely eradicate the problem.
Users, themselves, should stay informed about negative consequences and be alert of the actions that they take.
What are the negative effects of fake news?
- Irrational Fear
Fake news can bring about an irrational fear amongst people. The consequences of this can be increased panic, violence, and aggression. It can trigger a community against something or someone, and on no solid ground.
- Economic Impact
A business can get heavily impacted by the spread of false information against them or their sector. This information could be spread by someone who might intentionally want to affect them.
On the other hand, consumers can also get affected by this. For example, fake news can influence people to buy products and services that might be ineffective.
- Health Impact
Fake remedies, conspiracy theories about medical procedures, and institutions can all impact one’s views on health. It can lead to people consuming harmful substances. People may undermine a situation or generate an irrational fear about something.
Fake health news could influence someone to not seek out proper medical care. This could potentially have very detrimental effects, especially if the news has been widespread.
- Racial Discrimination
Fake negative news can always be seen floating around on the internet. It can be with the intent of targeting a particular group and spread hate and fear. Political motives could be another reason for its inception.
Here’s how fake news can cause serious consequences…
The Pizzagate Incident
- Pizzagate was a theory that claimed a secret human trafficking ring that was believed to be linked with pizza restaurants.
- There were no alleged victims or any physical evidence for the same. But yet, the theory started to become more popularized.
- There were rumors about the restaurant ‘Comet Ping Pong’ having a secret underground network of the trafficking ring. (This was again, based on no solid proof)
- A gunman, Edgar Maddison Welch, traveled down to South Carolina (USA) to confront the restaurant owners.
- In the restaurant packed with families, he fired his automatic rifle. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Conclusion: Due to the spread of conspiracy theories and fake news, people can get extremely blind-sided. They can take extreme steps and put others’ lives in danger.
Such news usually spreads like wildfire.
So, it is important to be able to distinguish between what is true and what is not.
Unknowingly, we could be spreading false information with our family and friends.
To protect yourself from fake news:
- Be skeptical
The truth is anything that you come across on the internet can be manipulated or fake. So, every time you are consuming a piece of information, be skeptical of it. Be aware that it could be false.
- Don’t react instantly
A piece of information could take the world by storm. As mentioned earlier, such news spreads like wildfire. You might feel the need to react instantly as it can generate strong emotions. But, it is because of this instant reaction and the need to forward that causes fake news to spread so fast. It is built in a way to trigger people.
- Check genuine news sources
You might notice some news getting shared by many people on social media. Our immediate reaction could be to believe it since our close friends are family are sharing it. But, take some time to check reliable news sources for any updates or information on the subject just to be sure.
- Follow a diverse group of people
Social media platforms are built in such a way that they recommend a similar type of content. This might happen with news as well. Following just a particular group of people can cause skewed views about some topics. To understand the entire picture, follow a diverse group of people. This way, you can understand both sides of a coin and form your own opinion.
- Inform friends and family
Our very own friends and family could be the ones sharing such news. If you find someone sharing news that has no solid proof, inform them, and encourage them to stop. The elders around us could be very gullible towards any sort of news. So, encourage them to knot believe in just any news that circulates on the internet.
Keep yourself safe by being updated and informed!
It is our genuine effort to keep you informed by providing the needed resources to combat fake news.
