As per the recent Study, the level of misinformation has increased with the rise in internet usage. 

About Misinformation

• According to the United Nations Human Rights Council, misinformation is false or inaccurate information. E.g. Rumors
• It has been identified as the top five risks that will impact worldwide peace and prosperity along with disinformation (Global Risk Report 2024). 
  • Disinformation is deliberate and includes malicious content such as hoaxes, spear phishing and propaganda. 

Major Impacts of Misinformation

• Influencing Voting Behaviour: Prevalence of misinformation in political campaigns is a global trend. E.g., Around 50,000 fake news posts were published and shared over 2 million times in India during 2019 general elections.
  • It impacts people’s ability to make critical decisions.
• Alienation: Erode confidence and trust in the political system and civic engagement. 
• Health-related misinformation: Erroneous interpretation of scientific knowledge, opinion polarization, escalating fear and panic etc.
• Other: Manipulation of general beliefs, impact on spending behaviour, etc.

Media Literacy as Solution 

• It constitutes a composite set of knowledge, skills, attitudes, competencies and practices. 
• It empowers/encourages individual voters to critically evaluate news accuracy, reduces susceptibility to manipulation. 
• It will help in tackling misinformation without undermining freedom of the internet and media.