COVID-19 - How You Can Stop Fake Information From Going Viral

Coronavirus misinformation is flooding the internet

The experts are calling on the public to practice " Information Hygiene". Here i am telling you all how you can stop fake information from going viral. Here are some points:-

 

1. Stop and Think 

You want to help family and friends and keep them in the loop. So when you receive fresh advice- whether by email, whats app, Facebook or Twitter- you might quickly forward it on to them.

But experts say the number one thing you can do to halt misinformation is to simply stop and think. If you have any doubt, pause, and check it out further. 

2. Check Your Source 

 Before you forward any information and messages, ask yourself some basic questions about the information about where the information comes from.

It is the big threat when its a government referring sites, a friend of friend and your neighbor. Some of the details in the post were accurate some versions, for example, encouraged hand washing to slow the spread of the virus. But other details were potentially harmful, making unproved claims about how to diagnose the illness. 

3. Could it be a Fake or Real ??

 It is very difficult to differentiate between the real sites and the fake ones. Screenshots can also be changed to make it look like information has come from a trusted public body.

Check known and verified accounts and website. If you can easily find the information with only one click that it might be wrong. And if post, video or a link looks fishy.

Capital letters and mismatched fonts are something fact-checkers use as an indicator a post might be directed you in wrong place.

 4. If Not Sure whether it is True? Don't Share 

Don't forward things on any case if they might be true or real. You might be doing more harm than good. Many of the time we post things into places where we know they are experts- like doctors or medical professionals. That might be good, but make sure you are very clear about your doubts. And beware that photo or text you share might later be stripped of its context.

5. Check All Facts and Figure, Individually 

 There's is a voice note that has been circulating on whats app. The person speaking in the note says she's translating advice from a "colleague who has friend" working at a hospital. It's been sent to the BBC by many peoples in the world.

Its a advice that when you get very long lists of advice, it's easy to believe everything in them just because you know something about that like hand washing, social distancing etc.

6. Beware Emotional Posts

"Any stuff that gets us fearful, angry, anxious or joyful that goes to really viral. Fear is one of the biggest drivers that allows misinformation to thrive". 

Urgent calls for action are designed to ramp up anxiety there need to be careful. "Peoples want to help their loved ones stay safe, so when they see 'Tips for Preventing the Virus' or other information like that people want to do anything they can to help.

From the above information ti shows that how you can stop fake information from going viral in may ways. As a citizens of the country we all have the responsibilities that if you know the real or authenticated news, forward it or no then delete them from your phone or laptop.