Be a great mind
One of the 21st century human elements that evolved as a by-product of the social media is the spread of fake news. Given its character and what it seeks to achieve, fake news could conveniently be a synonymous of the word “rumour.” It’s unfortunate that today, a lot of people tend to rely on rumour […]
In the modern era, fake news has become a prominent issue, often intertwined with the term "rumour." Rumour, a term lacking a precise definition in social sciences, generally refers to unverified accounts or explanations of events, often circulating among people who are concerned about public matters. The spread of rumour is facilitated by low-cost communication tools in the contemporary world of information and communication technology (ICT).
Rumour peddlers are those who share unconfirmed stories and are often found in places where people receive information informally, such as bus stops, motor parks, and food canteens.
Rumour can be categorized into two forms: reported speech, which involves direct quotes, and passive voice, which uses expressions like "it is being said that..." or "it was said that...". Both forms can convey either misinformation or disinformation, which is a deliberate falsehood used to achieve specific purposes. Instances of rumour include statements about someone's impotence, a woman's abortion, someone being bankrupt, or the idea that a person is having an affair.
Rumour often stems from fear, malice, or the fulfillment of a personal wish. It can quickly spread, traveling faster than the truth and causing significant harm. Vulnerable groups, including those who are impoverished or unemployed, are particularly susceptible to rumour. A society plagued by fear, mistrust, or injustice is more likely to foster rumour.
The consequences of rumour are far-reaching. It damages the reputations and integrity of those who spread it, wastes time and energy that could be better spent on productive activities or personal growth, and destabilizes communities. Furthermore, it erodes unity and national cohesion, breeds anxiety, and can even incite violence. Islam explicitly forbids the use of rumour to create fear or tension.
To combat rumour, it is essential to investigate and verify information, especially when it comes from unknown sources or individuals with questionable character. Believing everything one hears can lead to harm to the general public, for which one may later regret. Islam encourages its followers to be men and women of great minds, focused on discussing ideas rather than attacking individuals due to their small minds.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Trust's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
