LETTER | Tackling the fake news pandemic

LETTER | Covid-19 has left a devastating impact on our lives, the economy and our psychosocial wellbeing.

The growing number of deaths is causing extreme fear and anxiety but above this, there’s a worrying trend that’s causing us all a great deal of mental stress – the spread of fake news and information on Covid-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) categorises this as a dangerous "infodemic". Infodemics are defined as excessive information about an issue, which makes it difficult to find a solution. They are spread through misinformation, disinformation and rumours during a health emergency and can hamper public health responses by creating confusion and distrust.

The problem is not unique to Malaysia. It’s a global issue but sadly, many failed to realise the trail of negative impacts left by that little fake WhatsApp message or social media post that we decided to share.

People generally fall for well-crafted messages that supposedly carry statements from credible government or news agencies, and we would share them within seconds after reading a clickbait headline or paragraph.

We need to be extra cautious when it comes to content sharing, especially in times of crisis...