The Danger of Misinformation in a Divided World.

Promote ethical Journalism – Support media that prioritizes fact-checking over sensationalism
DR FIAZ MAQBOOL FAZILI

Our perceptions form the foundation of our understanding of reality. Yet, when these perceptions are distorted or based on false information, they can lead to flawed judgments about real-world situations. Misreading circumstances can have serious repercussions—whether in personal relationships, professional settings, political decisions, or public discourse. This article examines the roots of such misperceptions, their impact, and strategies to prevent the formation of misguided opinions.
In times of conflict, the world is flooded with competing narratives—Official channels, journalists, politicians, and social media influencers all present differing versions of events. The distinction between fact, opinion, and propaganda becomes dangerously blurred. In such chaos, whom should we trust? Perhaps the answer lies not in blind allegiance to any single source but in prioritizing humanity—peace, dialogue, and the silent suffering of those trapped in violence. May wisdom triumph over rhetoric and may wars cease forever.
However, the dangers multiply when false narratives are deliberately spread—particularly during wars or conflicts. Such misinformation can endanger lives, destroy property, and erode trust in institutions. Once deception takes hold, even the truth may be met with scepticism, leaving societies fractured and distrustful long after the facts emerge.
The Quran provides timeless guidance on handling unverified information you who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest you harm people unwittingly and afterward become regretful for what you have done.” (Quran) This divine command emphasizes the necessity of verifying news before accepting or spreading it. Blindly trusting unreliable sources—especially those with malicious intent—can lead to injustice, societal unrest, and irreversible harm.
The Ethical Burden of Journalism-Journalism is not merely about breaking news; it is about truth-telling with responsibility. A single irresponsible tweet or report can mislead millions, incite panic, or even escalate conflicts. Consider a scenario where a journalist’s unverified claim ,tweet, or social media post goes viral, only to be later debunked by official sources. The damage, however, may already be done—public trust erodes, and misinformation fuels further chaos. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned against spreading rumors:”It is enough for a man to prove himself a liar when he goes on narrating whatever he hears.” (Sahih Muslim) This Hadith underscores the Islamic principle that credibility must precede dissemination.
Why False Narratives Thrive? Sharing a psychological perspective. While talking to colleagues(psychiatrists) who deal with mindset behind spreading fake news, people who habitually share unverified or fake news often exhibit specific psychological traits that drive their behaviour. Several factors contribute to the spread of misinformation: Confirmation Bias – People favour information that aligns with their preexisting beliefs. Emotional Manipulation – Fear and anger make individuals more susceptible to propaganda. Desire for Social Validation – Sharing sensational content earns instant engagement (likes, shares), feeding their need for attention and approval. Algorithmic amplification – Social media platforms prioritize sensational content, regardless of its truthfulness’s common man has A.) Lack of Media Literacy – Many consumers do not critically assess sources or cross-check facts. B.) Cognitive Laziness – Many forward misinformation without fact-checking due to mental shortcuts, preferring quick reactions over critical analysis. C.) Confirmation Bias – They believe and spread news that aligns with their preexisting beliefs, ignoring contradictory evidence. D.) Emotional Triggers – Fear, anger, or excitement make fake news more appealing, as emotionally charged content feels more “urgent” to share.) E.) Tribal Mentality – Some spread misinformation to reinforce group identity, even if it means disregarding truth. F.) Dunning-Kruger Effect – Overestimating their knowledge, they confidently share false claims without realizing their ignorance.
Do They Need Counselling? “Yes, chronic spreaders of misinformation may benefit from therapy to address”, says a leading Psychiatrist of the valley. as such people suffer from 1. Impulsivity – Learning to pause and verify before sharing.2. Anxiety & Paranoia – Some spread fear-based fake news due to underlying insecurities. 3.Narcissistic Traits – Those who crave attention may need help developing healthier validation-seeking behaviors.
Counselling can promote media literacy, critical thinking, and emotional regulation—key tools in combating misinformation. A society that values truth must also address the psychological roots of fake news sharing.
The Serious Consequences of Misinformation can lead to social division – False narratives deepen polarization, turning communities against each other. Unverified accusations can lead to mob violence or wrongful persecution. When media repeatedly fails in accuracy, the public loses faith in institutions. We saw this recently when a journalist’s tweet triggered widespread speculation, only for a late-night government clarification to clean up the mess. By then, millions had already formed judgments based on misinformation. This is why journalism isn’t just about speed—it’s about credibility. A microphone or a media handle is not a megaphone for personal emotion or haste; it is a trust, one that must be wielded with discipline
The Path Forward: Seeking Truth with Wisdom. Verify Before sharing, wait for credible official sources only to share, like or forward. Till then stay calm not hyper emotional. Islam teaches Tathabbut (verification) before acting on news. Promote ethical Journalism – Support media that prioritizes fact-checking over sensationalism. Encourage Dialogue – Instead of reacting to headlines, engage in reasoned unbiased discussions. Invoke Divine Guidance – The Prophet’s (SAW)supplication remains vital .Allah swt , show us truth as truth and grant us the ability to follow it. Show us falsehood as falsehood and grant us the strength to reject it.”
A Call for Responsible Truth-Seeking. In an age where misinformation spreads faster than truth, the duty falls upon each individual to act with caution. Journalism must reclaim its role as a pillar of democracy, not a tool for manipulation. Societies must cultivate critical thinking, and leaders must prioritize transparency.
Ultimately, truth is not just about facts—it is about justice, compassion, and the preservation of human dignity. Let us strive to be among those who seek truth, uphold integrity, and reject the chaos of falsehood.