The Coronavirus pandemic has created the menace of infodemic. Examine

Category
GS -II
Published
2020-04-08 11:32:00

Subject: Governance

Approach

Introduction- Discuss about the current situation
What is Infodemics?
Role of media
Suggestive measures
Conclude accordingly

Model Answer

As 2020 rolled around, the outbreak turned into an international pandemic. Each new country the virus spread to fuelled panic and demand for information regarding the disease. As a result, social media became both an indispensable source of vital information and a fertile ground for dangerous rumour-mongering, with claims of equal shock value but varying truth making big waves across the world.

In India, ‘infodemic’ is spreading on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms with numerous false claims, including about an impending emergency declaration and an extension of the lockdown period.

Infodemic is a different type of outbreak which needs attention and concern. “Information, including disinformation and misinformation about the novel coronavirus is spreading faster than the pandemic itself. From selling fake coronavirus cures online to a cyberattack on hospitals’ critical information systems, criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 crisis.

About Infodemics:

Societies around the world are facing an “infodemic”—an “overabundance” of information about a problem.
It makes it difficult for people to identify truthful and trustworthy sources from false or misleading ones.
They can spread misinformation, disinformation and rumours during a health emergency.
Infodemics can hamper an effective public health response and create confusion and distrust among people.

Role of media:

Media plays a tremendous role in mounting awareness among susceptible populations in an attempt to reduce their contact with infection.
In fact, it has the potential of generating a psychological impact on the social conduct.
On the other hand, in times of recently serious epidemic outbreaks, infodemics or epidemics of rumors may appear very quickly in the virtual world. Because of contradictory views and unreliable and misleading information diffused by some Internet users, people become confused and fearful.
In such circumstances, the role of media is essential, and journalists with scientists are obliged to report and exhibit concrete and convincing proof about the nature of the epidemic and should explain the reasons for control interventions led by health authorities.

Suggestive measures:

India needs to find a fine balance to ensure authenticity without affecting free speech. India’s approach must be more nuanced.
This includes:
- defining fake news
- ensuring a difference between fact and opinion (including only the former under the ambit)
- meeting privacy concerns under Article 21 of the Constitution
- safeguarding the freedom of press and following due process of the law every time
The media needs to act responsibly in such extraordinary circumstances, especially so in the era of WhatsApp and other social media platforms on which bizarre notions get circulated.
The key is to fight panic with accurate information, not by curbing transparency.
The rapid dissemination of verified information is the most effective prevention against fear, which could do plenty of damage to an otherwise healthy society.
Despite the stresses the coronavirus outbreak is already causing and will cause, there is an opportunity for individuals and governments to learn from this crisis and emerge stronger. For this, everyone needs to be better informed and be more forward thinking.

Conclusion:

In this time of emergency, there is urgent need to counter the spread of rumours. The world is not just fighting an epidemic, but an infodemic. This situation is the testament to the raw power of social media, and a sign of how much we achieved when it comes to curtailing the spread of dangerous lies online. The countries need to come forward and actively fight the misinformation and fearmongering.

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Note: You have to write your answers on an A4 size sheet leaving margins on both sides based on UPSC pattern. Mention Your Name on 1st page and Page Number on each page. After writing the answer, Click pictures of each page of your answer sheet, merge them all in a single PDF and upload in the Your Answer Copy section of the same question.