The spread of false information online is hardly novel. However, the issue has grown in scope and severity in recent years. Misinformation can spread rapidly on social media, making it hard to tell what’s true and what isn’t.

Many people now get their news from social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, which only exacerbates the issue. These sites’ algorithms often give false information the same weight as factual information.

This is alarming because it can cause people to believe misinformation which has real-world repercussions. People may think a candidate is dishonest because of a false news story they read. On another note, they might mistakenly assume an illness is more widespread than it actually is.

Global misinformation problem

Misinformation and fake news have become increasingly common worldwide in recent years. The most vulnerable members of society in any country are the most susceptible.

Because of the prevalence of fake news on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, it can be challenging to sort fact from fiction. Many people in developing countries are affected by this problem because they don’t have access to reliable news sources.

A lack of access to accurate information leads to widespread misinformation, which has serious consequences when believed. For example, lynchings and other acts of violence broke out in 2018 after rumours spread that the Indian government was planning to ban members of certain religious minorities.

It’s no secret that disinformation and fake news can have a major effect on democracy. Some people are worried that fake news and other forms of disinformation have had a significant impact on past and upcoming elections in various nations. In countries where democracy is already vulnerable, this is disastrous.

Two locals offer a solution

Entrepreneurs and journalists Sanchit Gupta and Ankita Sharma are on a mission to eradicate deceit and restore the nation’s ability to recognise reality.

Sanchit points out, “A small amount of misinformation may not seem like a big deal, but it can have serious consequences for democracy. When the electorate receives inaccurate information, they are more likely to make poor choices, such as voting for candidates who will harm the nation or supporting harmful policies.”

He also adds that social media sites are not the only culprits in disseminating misinformation; traditional media outlets also contribute. To increase traffic and ratings, many news organisations publish information that has not been adequately verified or is completely false.

This is one of the reasons why they established IndiaReflects.com, India’s first truly global news website. Sanchit serves as Editor-in-Chief and publishes international news articles on various topics, including international events, business, economics, technology, and sports.

When asked what motivated them to undertake such a challenging project, Sanchit responded that his desire to provide readers with a factual and straightforward explanation of any issue or occurrence in the world is driven by his curiosity.

He adds that the mission of IndiaReflects.com is to restore objectivity, thoroughness, factual accuracy, investigative skills, professionalism, self-confidence, and discipline of journalism.

Gupta emphasises that there is still much work to be done to combat misinformation, even though the launch of IndiaReflects.com is already a significant achievement. According to Sanchit, schools should also teach media literacy, and news organisations must be more cautious in their reporting. He urges social media platforms to take greater measures to prevent the spread of false information.

However, it is ultimately up to each individual to consume and disseminate information cautiously. Sanchit reiterates, “We must be willing to challenge what they read and provide only accurate information. If not, disinformation will continue to serve as the foundation of democracy.”

“If you want future generations to know the truth, now is the time for factually accurate and unbiased journalism,” concludes Sanchit.

For more information on Sanchit Gupta and his work to end disinformation, visit IndiaReflects.com and follow their social media channels.

India Reflects : www.indiareflects.com

Twitter : https://twitter.com/indiareflects

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiareflects/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/India-Reflects/100085706441292/
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