The world is going through tough times and because of the Coronavirus pandemic, and everyone is impacted, even if within the safety of our homes. However, this has totally changed the game for internet content. We get hundreds of forwards on our mobile apps, out of which 70% is fake news. It can be herbal cures of covid19, declaring national curfew, hate speeches about religion and race, and whatnot! Many of us, without even verifying the news or the source, forward these videos, which results in spreading the fake news and misinformation. Keeping this in mind, TikTok started #MatKarForward movement.
A short educative film, directed by Anurag Basu, starring Virat Kohli, Sara Ali Khan, Kriti Sanon and Ayushmann Khurrana has been released, focussing on how dangerous this fake-news virus is and what can be done to prevent it. In the short film, they have clearly given this message that we should neither believe, nor forward unreliable videos.
I believe this movement #MatKarForward by TikTok was the need of the hour. This will spread awareness among the internet world that one should not forward any video that one gets on their phone apps. This will break the rumour chain and will prevent the spread of fake news and misinformation.
The situation is so tense out there that these fake videos with false information make things worse. 3 days back, I got a video around how some spices can cure Covid-19. If I would have forwarded that video, it would have misguided many people.
The best possible practice is to ignore these videos and verify the source of news received. Don’t rely on an news that doesn’t come from trusted news channels, authentic forums and government websites.
I totally support this movement by TikTok and never forward any of the videos, which share information without verifiable sources. You, too, should practice the same and help stop the spread of false news and fake information. Without a doubt, Coronavirus is very dangerous and we should all follow the safety precautions such as practicing social distancing, wearing masks and gloves, washing hands and using sanitzer, but what’s more dangerous is spreading fake news and false information. You might forward ‘it’ (the video) just for fun maybe, but the receiver might take it seriously, which could take a toll on their health, mind and life.
Hence, #MatKarForward, and let’s break the chain of spreading false and fake information.
