The Epidemic Of Fake News And How Students Can Counter It

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[{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1494232647239","data":"One of the more unfortunate side effects of the information age was the rapid spreading of fake news to create a narrative that pits people against one another, which suits political agendas. Winston Churchill was quoted saying 'A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on', and today, years later, the words still ring true. <\/p>In November, the Oxford Dictionary announced the word 'post-truth' as the word of the year, highlighting a dangerous trend in politics across the world, not just in the United States but in India as well. Post-Truth Politics (<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Post-truth_politics\" target=\"_blank\">click here to read about it<\/a>) refers to political beliefs than pander more to the emotions rather than policy, where truth takes secondary precedence as emotions and fears rule the formation of opinions rather than logic. Basically, the forwards you keep seeing in family Whatsapp groups, and that's just one part of it. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1494236556499","data":"5910450e03f32"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1494236558411","data":"India is no stranger to fake news. From channels claiming to fight for the common man and claiming to be comedy pages on Facebook posting news articles from direct propaganda sources, to a leading news journalist of a popular media house covering the supposed 'GPS chip' in new Rs. 2000 notes, it affects everyone, with or without an agenda. With the internet being prevalent in people's lives today, this leads to the fake news spreading rapidly through various means. <\/p>This leads to people forming opinions based on the fake story that often justifies hate and bigotry, in this age when we need to work together to solve issues instead of jumping at each other's throats. A look through the comment sections of major news outlets on Facebook will tell you how far gone people are; the truth does not matter anymore, all that matters is how much hate and vile comments one can spread, and when they get countered by facts, dig themselves into a corner and start abusing anyone that opposes their bigoted views. <\/p>This is a nation where critical thinking is frowned upon, independent thought is discouraged and children are actively encouraged to be part of a rat race which they don't even choose. It does not surprise me that my fellow compatriots, my peers and my elders are so easily fooled by fake news: we have never bothered to think critically unless it comes to work. We're a nation of emotional people looking for echo chambers that justify our bigotry.<\/p> <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1494237554318","data":"59104543746da"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1494237556221","data":"But it doesn't have to be that way. You, as students, are in a unique position to equip yourself with the knowledge necessary to call out fake news wherever and whenever you see it, and the first step to do that is to question everything. <\/p>Understand that nobody, not your parents, not even God, is above questioning. You are worth more than you think you are, and you should be sceptical until proven otherwise. Understand that demonising an entire community is wrong no matter what belief system they subscribe to, what the colour of their skin is, or which part of India they come from. <\/p>'Look before you leap' is an old saying that works like a charm here. Question everything you see, everything you hear, and verify before forming opinions. I know this isn't easy, but then if you are silent when gross injustices happen in the society, it is as good as helping the oppressor get away with the crime. There are fellow citizens of India dedicated to debunking fake news, like Social Media Hoax Slayer, someone you should follow to make sure you are informed and equipped against being manipulated by those who have ulterior motives with their fake news forwards and information. <\/p>Students of today are the citizens of tomorrow, and if we do not learn how to spot fake news early, we will never move forward as a country. In this post-truth era, facts do not matter to bigots, so fight to change that status quo, the future of the nation hangs in balance. <\/p>"}]

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