Misinformation

Letter January 29, 2023
Misinformation

KARACHI:

Digital and social media have speeded up the transmission of information among people. This has led to an increase in political knowledge among the public. However, the political system is complex and not everyone can understand the inner workings of different political departments and issues. Consequently, the spread of misinformation has risen in the last few years.

The dissemination of false or incorrect information can mislead people and distort their perceptions about important issues. Nowadays, people do not verify the information and are unable to distinguish between authentic and inauthentic sources. The various social media channels have allowed people to spread information in the form of videos, pictures, and text. Whilst these can be useful at times, they have made almost everyone susceptible to false information. At times, people are manipulated by different groups for personal or political agendas. This has divided people along political and ethnic lines and increased polarisation resulting in conflict and aggression among people online as well as in real life.

People have become intolerant and unreceptive to others’ ideas, opinions or suggestions. Given the growing presence of social media in our lives, the relevant departments should monitor and regulate the information being shared on social media. The government should initiate a campaign to inform people about online ethics and ways to use social media effectively. People should always verify the information they receive and avoid trolling. Social media should not be used to perpetuate false narratives and misinformation and instead should be used to connect with the rest of the world.

Muhammad Sufyan

Bhimber, Azad Kashmir

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2023.

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