'Social Media Distancing' - The Need Of The Hour?

The state of Telangana has taken a hit after many have been infected and tested positive for Covid-19. The underlying reason is probably the Tablighi Jamaat association, that saw the participation of a thick mob from international borders too… No sooner did Telangana grab some eyeballs, the internet was flooded with WhatsApp and Messenger forwards, that stated that the CM wanted an extension of the lockdown till June 3…

Now, the consequences were anticipatory. People started pouring in their valuable comments, expressing their wrath and impatience towards this extended tenure. Impatience led to more forwards until some intellectual from the team was brave enough to take the flak and mention that it was fake news. 

Same happened in case of the number of casualties too. Some said 2000, some 2750, while it was much later that the figure crossed 2000. Point is where is the genesis of all such pandemonium? While a news reaches A, is it not A’s responsibility to verify it first and then promulgate? 

Well, unfortunately, things are not that easily meted out in black and white. It goes through various shades of grey - light grey, deep grey, moderate grey before it actually takes shape. Till then, one may continue counting on such falsehoods, without having the urge to verify. Then what’s the precaution you adhere to?

Probably just distancing yourself from the immaculate beckons of the social media. Especially during such times when the definition of normal gets modified each day. If maintaining distance seems too challenging then at least efforts can be undertaken to verify all the information that’s being bombarded to you. That would ensure confidence, reliability and self satisfaction. As it’s pretty well known that information travels much faster than air itself!

That being said, the choice still and solely lies with you. Whichever side you choose to be in, ultimately you would have to be accountable to it in the long run. And, it’s these choices that would make all the difference. A popular saying goes, “Sometimes small additions make a big difference.” In this case, it’s your choice that’ll make all the difference. So, let’s choose wisely. 

Also and off track, most of us have been highlighting on flattening the curve. In that regard, experts have coined the term ‘infodemic’, a term that’s available in abundance now. Chopping off the epidemic might lead to promising times in the economy, however, in case of an infodemic, the consequence is usually boredom.