Many of us have grown up in a time when the news source used to be the morning newspaper. At that news used to be broadcasted on All India Radio also, certain times during the day. Then came the advent of TV, and there used to be one or two news bulletins in a day. The agenda of the news, mostly on Doordarshan would convey news and be done with it. Then came the satellite TV and 24* 7 news channels, and alongside happened digital social media explosion.
Now we are drowning in too much news throughout the day. Constant debate with panelists from various parties is a regular scene on all the news channels. This is good if only we are sure about what we are being told or what we get to read. Recently, there have been many FAKE NEWS concerns which even govt took note of. The issue is that at times, few anti-social elements, deliberately create or spread the fake news with malicious intentions.
Understanding fake news
Typically, when some people create or share unverified news, especially on social media, with deliberate intentions to create unrest, malign famous people, leaders, institutions, or organisations, or even a community or religion, etc., it will be termed as fake news. The instant nature of social media adds to the fast-spreading of this news, and there have been instances, when unrest has been created in the country, merely because of fake news.
Most people are unable to verify the news and hence, fall prey to it and react or respond, and therefore the fake news/story gets more attention than it should. As responsible citizens of this country, we need to figure out if the news is fake and forward or share such reports.
How to figure out if news or an article is fake?
check the source, the publisher, the author, the website, etc of the news item. Check if the same news item is being seen on other important mainstream news sites as well. Check who has shared it and if the person is trustworthy or not. Verify if the same author has published articles that are relevant and true.
Usually, original and authentic articles will always have references to some people or proper websites. They will quote valid sources that you can check out easily. Also, generally, the language used will be highly professional. Most fake news articles have the language issue, but all well-written articles need not be true as well. Following a few simple steps like this can help you figure out if the material is fake. This is even applicable to WhatsApp messages, which also get forwarded without any verification.
How does it impact you?
There are two ways in which fake news can impact you. One is the fact that the news may be about something or someone that you really care about. So, it may distress you, when actually there is no need for that. If the news is political or social, you may choose to discuss it with your family and friends circle. This can lead to some minor arguments and leave a bad taste among friends. All this was for nothing, as the news was fake anyway. Many times false medical snippets are forwarded and following them may even be damaging your health.
Secondly, when the other receives the fake news forwarded by you, you will lose your credibility as well. It is entirely possible; a few others will verify the news on their own, or know better. So when they constantly receive fake news from your end, they may tag you as someone who is deliberately doing it for malicious reasons.
There are also legal implications of sharing fake news, especially if any unrest, riots, or issues associated with it. Hence, when one forwards or shares such sensitive news items, it has to be with a full sense of responsibility. You may be held liable for it as well.
So in the end one has to be cautious while forwarding or sharing any news item. It is best to be away from forwarding or share such news items unless you are dead sure about their authenticity.
Waiting for your views and comments.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
18th August 2021.