Ratan Keshri
“People tend to believe what they want to believe whether it’s true or false.” This quote perfectly captures the reality of our times. The same technology that opened doors to vast information also paved the way for the unchecked spread of misinformation. While the internet and smartphones have certainly revolutionized the world of news, they have also blurred the lines between truth and falsehood. Today, platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube have become the primary sources of information for millions. However, these platforms lack editors or fact-checking teams. Anyone, whether an individual, a group, or a page can post anything without accountability. Often, it is these unchecked posts that mislead people the fastest. Take, for example, what happened in June 2025. A meme went viral claiming that ‘Dolly Chaiwala’ real name Sunil Patil had been appointed as the brand ambassador of Tata Starbucks. The post was shared by thousands, became a social media trend, and even resulted in interviews and jokes. However, it was later revealed to be nothing more than an April Fool’s prank. Tata Starbucks eventually had to issue an official statement denying any such appointment. In a similar case, a fake WhatsApp message spread in May 2025 claiming that the Government of India had opened a bank account to collect donations for army modernization. The Press Information Bureau’s official fact-checking arm later debunked this, clarifying that no such account existed. These examples clearly show that misinformation isn’t always politically or religiously motivated sometimes, it targets public emotions or trust. Fake news comes in many forms: sometimes for money, sometimes for views, sometimes to push ideological agendas, and sometimes just to go viral. A report suggests that India has over 700 million internet users, and about 23% of them have admitted to unknowingly sharing fake news at some point. There is also a more organized layer to the spread of fake news. During elections, IT cells operated by political parties or affiliated groups craft content that helps build support for their side or defames the opposition. In the run-up to the 2022 state elections, multiple such fake narratives surfaced from false victory claims to religious fear-mongering.
But the question remains: Why do we fall for fake news? The answer lies in human psychology. Studies show that when a piece of information aligns with our existing beliefs, we are more likely to accept it without verification. This tendency is called Confirmation Bias. For instance, if someone already believes the government is corrupt and they see a headline that reads “Government involved in ?500 crore scam,” they’re likely to believe it even if it’s entirely false. Add to this the fact that most people browse social media in a “relaxed or entertainment mindset” rather than critically analyzing what they see. As a result, headlines become the truth and posts get shared in a blink. This is also why even Facebook’s “Disputed” tag on suspicious content didn’t prove effective. If a fake story resonates with someone’s views, they tend to ignore the warning. This mental conflict is known as Cognitive Dissonance when our beliefs clash with new information, we often reject the new truth to maintain inner comfort.
The social cost of fake news can be devastating. It weakens trust, breeds suspicion, and in some cases, even incites violence. A tragic example is the 2020 Palghar mob lynching in Maharashtra, where three monks were killed by a mob that believed false rumors that they were child kidnappers. Later, police confirmed there was no such threat. Fake news also damages democracy. When voters are misled by fabricated stories, elections lose their integrity. Talented leaders are rejected based on lies, and manipulated narratives take control of the political discourse.
Still, the solution lies with us. Before forwarding anything, we must ask ourselves three basic questions:
4Is this story from a credible source?
4Has it been verified by a fact-checking website?
4Am I reading the full story or just reacting to a headline?
Several organizations are working tirelessly to bridge the truth gap. Among them, Boom Live stands out as a reliable fact-checking platform. Their team analyzes viral content with precision and neutrality, exposing misleading posts and videos before they cause widespread confusion. Their active presence on social media, quick response, and simplified explanations help guide countless users through the maze of misinformation. Rather than simply praising such platforms, it is more important that we, as responsible citizens, use them wisely. Platforms like Boom Live are tools but the responsibility to verify lies with us. Whether it’s a viral video or a shocking claim, a quick cross-check can make all the difference. Before hitting “forward,” pause. Investigate. Think. Because in the digital age, your one click can either save someone or mislead thousands.
(The writer is an M.A. student in mass communication and new media at the Central University of Jammu)