What are the concerns about spreading rumours over social media, how does it impact the society? | SBI PO Prelims & Mains Preparation - Bank Exams PDF Download

What are the concerns about spreading rumours over social media, how does it impact the society?

The blatant spreading of false information is not new. However, as a source of knowledge, can we or should we believe the same? Due to how quickly anything may go viral on social media, many useless topics have garnered popularity in recent years. Disinformation and misinformation are two distinct concepts, both of which pose a threat to our society. Memes, fake content, user comments, factual inaccuracy, etc. do not just appear randomly. The majority of the time, they have a reason! whether it be business, political, or ideological. Typically, these individuals share whatever they want on multiple media without hesitation. This is concerning because the majority of today's youth view their acceptance and popularity on social media as their primary purpose in life.
Rumors deal with important information for particular social group events, correspond its needs and interests. Perception and reproduction of heard information are caused by dissatisfaction of needs and their expectations for being satisfied. A person who consumes such information gets engrossed in it completely as he/she is able to connect and then they fail to check the veracity of the things being shared. No doubt! Social media has its fair share of advantages. But, the ill effects and hazards of the rumours, hoaxes and misinformation can and should not be avoided. Mass panic in the society, suicides, people being duped online etc are not just terms and phrases. These things have the potential to spread hate, depression and a feeling of being a failure amongst the youth which cannot be afforded by a country like ours.