Fake News: A Threat to Democracy in SAARC and BRICS Countries
Saleem SamadOften talkshow-wallas blame the low-literacy rate in South Asia, the grassroots population and so-called ill-informed people for spreading fake news and hate speech. Apparently, it is not at all correct!
In South Asia, political scientists agree that the majority of people, not necessarily the ‘aamjanta’ (mango people) but also the urban elites and politicians succumb to believing it and disseminate fake news and rumours, without giving a second thought.
The mindset of people tends to believe in fake news, justifying that the source is from a responsible citizen, credible person, and news organisation.
Most fake news, misinformation and disinformation have been generated during the coronavirus pandemic which created havoc in life, livelihood and the economy.
The pandemic has impacted social development and the human development index. It pandemic has weakened democracy and pluralism in South Asia – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Most of the fake news was spread primarily through social media. Secondly, online news portals, and third was inter-personal communication – be it mobile phones or other.