Editor,
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not their own facts”—Daniel Patrick Moynihan, US Senator.
Social media has changed the face of journalism in the world, it does not subscribe to the same establishment journalistic rules of vetting and reporting news, social media has become a platform for fake news and propaganda to influence certain audiences towards particular way of thinking, the dissemination of fake news has grown so rapidly in this digital era that sometimes it is impossible to separate truth from fiction. Referring to a recent post in a Facebook page of seasoned journalist of a particular English daily where a snapshot of a few well known politicians of our state who also happens to be closely associated with the current MDA government enjoying a game of cricket as spectators at the ICC champions Trophy in Dubai, the post criticise the two individuals for attending the match and even accusing the NPP party of hijacking and politicising every professional space under the Meghalaya sun and even went on to call for a public outcry against such acts. I am not here defending or denouncing anyone but the issue here is mainly to shed light on the effects of disseminating false information, first of all how can a seasoned journalist like her jump into conclusion without first ascertaining the facts whether the two individuals were on a personal or official visit, if it is a personal visit I feel that nobody has the right to question anyone even though the person may be a politician because even politicians are human beings and they too deserve a break from their hectic routine. But if the trip was an official trip those attending the game are also duty bound to come up with an explanation about the benefits of such overseas visit and advantages it is bringing to the state. Coming back to the main agenda the spread of Fake news in social media has far reaching effects and consequences, e.g. inciting violence, influencing election outcomes and compromising public health. Therefore critical thinking skills, fact check information is necessary to combat this menace.
W. Tariang
Nongthymmai Dum Dum
