Information is arguably the most powerful force in the world today. Those who are new to sharing information probably do not know the power they wield.
In today’s world, social media messaging services has made it easier than ever to communicate with a large number of people. They provide users with the capabilities to spread information quickly to other users without confirmation of its truth.
Perhaps one of the most frightening characteristics of information on the internet is its ability to rapidly cascade across the social networks that comprise today’s social media.
However, misinformation is found in every community and in every type of information print, online and social media platforms.
Often times, people share information without verifying the source and authenticity of the information. Unfortunately, people can be influenced by information whether good or bad.
Inaccurate information can affect one’s decisions and actions. Some of us have suffered the consequences of misinformation. For some of us, most of the time, the impact has minor effects and is for a short time. Perhaps we miss a train or bus connection due to an out dated meal time table or arrived late for an interview.
As painful as these examples may be, it is not fatal. However, there are some cases where the impact of misinformation can be devastating. For example in 2012, a group of final year physics students in university of Benin, Nigeria were writing their final exams. Their last paper was scheduled for 10am. In the early hours of the day, a student had posted on their WhatsApp group that the exam had been rescheduled for 1pm that same day.
Unknowingly to them, it was a false information. Moreover, majority of the students sat for the examination while some others missed the exam.
However, something remarkable happened. During the examination, a student who happened to be one of the best in the department ran into the examination hall full of anxiety. He was partially naked, dressed only in boxers and was bare footed. He tried to explain that he came for the examination, but unfortunately for him, the professor conducting the examination found it difficult to believe him. All he could see was a brilliant student who is mentally challenged. Consequently, the professor ordered the security team to take him to the psychiatric hospital for diagnosis.
Moreover, when some other students were asked to tell their stories, a girl said she received a notification on their group page that the time for the examination had been postponed and she was happy thinking that God has answered her prayers, as she needed more time to study.
As funny as her response could be, it shows the extent to which we humans can be influenced by information whether it be good or bad.
Information in itself is not bad. But how we process every information we receive makes the difference. According to Anne Mintz, the best way to find out if an information is true is to use common sense. Look to see if information make sense.
Thus, before posting that information on your group page or tapping that share button on your Facebook or twitter handle, please stop, reflect and verify the information.