Need to understanding the psychological and social factors fueling the spread of unverified information
Rumours often dominate our society. Since time immemorial, rumours have had an upper hand, and with the onset of science and technology, it has become easier to blow up or spread rumours in the blink of an eye.
A rumour is basically a currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth. It is a well-known fact that any doubtful thing should be avoided in society. If the situation arises, there should be an addition of doubt to a statement or news. Without adding doubt, the news can prove disastrous. We have many examples that make it crystal clear how harmful rumours can be.
The important point is: why do rumours spread quickly from one place to another? What are the factors that make it possible for rumours to spread? In this piece of writing, I will discuss some causes.
Firstly, we are uneducated people. We may have high degrees, but we lack intellectualism. An educated person spreads oral things from mouth to mouth. It is advised that every piece of news should be verified. Its origin and effects should be thoroughly discussed or observed. No news should be forwarded without an in-depth analysis. But this is not the case in our society.
Secondly, we are prejudiced people. We have some preoccupations in mind that don’t allow us to look at the other side of the coin. When someone or something is bad in our minds without any proof, the slightest mistake forces us to spread the doubtful truth here and there. We hate them. And in this way, we give some solace to ourselves. On the contrary, if someone is good without having any merit, their mistake looks like a virtue, and we lose no time in declaring that they are on the righteous path. This information is shared by many people, and the result is destruction.
Thirdly, we don’t know how to distinguish between a rumour and truth. We are never taught to make a difference between the two. The things ingrained in our minds don’t allow us to distinguish one thing from another. We don’t introspect and never think twice about what is proper and improper.
Fourthly, we live in an ignorant society. Orthodox principles are transmitted from one generation to another. Children inherit things from their parents, and the chain goes on. The parents never learn to question, so how can the children do this? They think it is better to follow than to engage in a long discussion, which they don’t know how to navigate. In this way, rumours spread from one generation to another.
Fifthly, the introduction of the Internet has changed everything. A kid can spread rumours at the click of a button. It becomes viral in moments and takes a dangerous shape in society. We read texts in haste and make abrupt decisions. We never bother to look at the origin of the news. Simply, we go on sharing the news, and the result is that we reach nowhere and feel ashamed.
Sixthly, we want fame. To be a famous person, we can go to any extent. A person doesn’t feel satisfied if they don’t have something extraordinary to do. So, they devise rumours and get publicity. In the end, truth gets killed.
Seventhly, we love something to discuss. A rumour makes us active. Without having a rumour to discuss, we feel something is missing in our lives. Having a rumour among us does miracles. We weave unimaginable stories and damage the image of society.
Eighthly, we imitate others blindly. We never bother to look at where we are going. We feel that others have taken the lead while we have remained behind. This approach also acts as a cushion for rumours, harming the truth.
Ninthly, and lastly, in my opinion, is that we never learn from the past. If past experiences teach us that we have gained nothing by spreading rumours, what material wealth can rumours give us in the future? However, we still tread the path of rumours and get humiliated in the long run.
The need of the hour is to remain conscious. Leniency can prove dangerous. We must differentiate between truth and rumour. We come to our senses when it is very late. An atmosphere of cross-checking must be put in place to protect ourselves from the dangers of rumours. They have toxic effects on the total psyche of society. Starting from an individual level is a welcome step. A collective approach is an urgent need of the hour to combat rumours.
Let us remain alert and not fall prey to rumours. Hope good sense prevails!
Syed Mustafa Ahmad
sy************@***il.comÂ