News Can Be Faked

Arnika Singh Fake News/Misinformation

#FakeNews has been a topic of discussion for a while. In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2019 it is going to play an important role. With our "Don't be a fool" research we plan to study the magnitude of its effects.

Take the survey!

Beyond politics, fake news can be a lethal weapon that can lead to violent mobs and manslaughter.

Fake news is not a technological issue, or just an election issue, it is a human rights issue.

If not curbed , it can lead to humanitarian crisis. #DontBeAFool
— harish iyer (@hiyer) April 1, 2019

Our pan India study will look into, not only the effects of misinformation but also the platforms through which it is distributed, its frequency and whether or not users are able to decipher it. We are collaborating with organizations and individuals in every state and union territory of India to ensure we have a good national representation.

Earlier rumours were localised & mostly a word to mouth phenomena limited to friends family & neighbourhood. Social media has diluted geographical boundaries. But the same medium also provides us tools to kill it globally and high time we focused on solutions #DOntBeAFool
— Sunchika Pandey/संचिका पाण्डेय (@PoliceWaliPblic) April 1, 2019

The research tool was developed in consultation with experts both from the field and academia. Keeping the convenience and privacy of respondents in focus the data collection has been done through random sampling and anonymously. This methodology also ensure a high accuracy in the sample.

This is a collaborative effort to create awareness and curb the epidemic of Fake News. Team Social media matters will be taking our learnings to colleges and schools inform of an educational workshop.

Don’t believe everything you read. Think twice before forwarding any ‘news’... even if you trust the person who sent it. Your mama ji might be the nicest dude alive but doesn’t mean that he won’t fall for fake news every now and then. #DontBeAFool
— Karnika (@KarnikaKohli) April 1, 2019

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