Why the rumour mill remains active in Kashmir
Kashmir is known for its hyper activism on spreading rumours and lies. This has been our favourite past time since centuries. Though we should have learnt to avoid spreading rumours in this age of information and social media availability, but the situation hardly has seen any change.
Rumour mills get active in Kashmir not only to incidents related to our region but elsewhere. Kashmir rumour mills have already closed chapters of many world leaders during the past two weeks. The latest to figure in this list was the US President, whom Kashmiris declared dead several hours ago.
The rumour mongers know that in today’s digital age, rumours spread like wildfire. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and online forums have made it easier for unverified information to reach a vast audience. Since many a times the authorities try to act against them, but the phenomenon is ever increasing.
So the moot question is why do people spread rumours? What’s the psychology behind this phenomenon?
One reason is the desire for social validation. People share sensational or provocative information to feel included, important, or part of an exclusive group. This need for validation drives individuals to share rumours without verifying facts, often to elicit reactions or some self-acclaimed fame.
Another factor is emotional manipulation. Rumours often tap into people’s fears, anxieties, or biases. When information aligns with our existing beliefs, we’re more likely to share it without scrutinizing its validity. This creates an echo chamber where misinformation shrinks rational thinking.
The thrill of being in the know also contributes to rumour-mongering. Sharing unverified information can make individuals feel privileged or powerful, as if they’re sharing confidential information.
Moreover, social media algorithms amplify rumours, rewarding sensational content with more visibility. This creates a vicious cycle where provocative information spreads rapidly, often at the expense of facts.
The lack of critical thinking and media literacy also plays a significant role. Many people aren’t equipped to evaluate information critically, making them susceptible to misinformation.
The trend of fuelling the rumour mills hurts our society very badly. Not only does this create unnecessary panic but makes the authorities jittery as they face extra ordinary situations to deal with.
The past week fuel buying across Kashmir is the latest example of how the government had to deal with a situation that was unprecedented. Since the situations of rumour spreading are becoming a routine now, we as a conscious society need think about it and help at our own level to curb this menace.
We need to teach ourselves and our friends and family members to first verify information through credible sources before sharing. Secondly, we need to be cautious of sensational or provocative content designed to elicit an emotional response.
Finally, we also need to understand media literacy so that people understand its power and even its misuse. We have to act fast and work out seriously on measures to curb spread of rumours and create a more informed society.
