Last week, as protests erupted in Nepal, many people turned to their devices for real-time updates, but this heightened interest also led to a surge of misinformation. Since September 8, the chaos spurred false reports that fueled fear and panic, according to experts like Ujjwal Acharya from CMR Nepal Journalism Academy. The environment created by political unrest mimicked the traits of an ‘infodemic’ similar to that seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Weak safeguards like low digital literacy and slow communication from verified sources contributed to this misinformation crisis. False claims circulated rapidly, including rumors about the army’s actions and misreported health statuses of political figures. For instance, a video misrepresented as current vandalism at Pashupatinath Temple was found to be old footage, while exaggerated claims about the Nepali Army’s movements also spread panic.
Despite the presence of well-informed individuals, misinformation disseminated through smaller, trusted circles, highlighting that even those with media literacy could fall prey to fake news. The crisis illustrated serious gaps in the preparedness of media organizations and fact-checking bodies, which struggled to contain misinformation alongside social media platforms.
Experts stressed the need for improved media literacy and suggested that public vigilance is vital. They emphasized relying on trustworthy sources, with a call for proactive measures to combat misinformation, especially as elections approach. The situation underscores the responsibility of both media and the public to verify information before sharing, aiming to mitigate the risks associated with misinformation in future crises.
