Fully Understand Information To Stop Spread Of Fake News - Expert

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysians need to practise simple verification steps before believing or spreading information to curb the spread of fake news as information is no longer limited to mainstream media, but driven on various alternative media platforms.

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Leadership and Management Faculty Communications Programme senior lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Sofia Hayati Yusoff said everyone should evaluate the source of information they receive, then seek credible evidence and finally understand the purpose of the information before sharing it, as we are all naturally more attracted to sensational information and prone to sharing negative content.

“This tendency is often exploited by content providers and alternative media platforms to boost engagement, generate clickbait traffic and satisfy artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm demands, rather than to deliver accurate and balanced information.

“In this regard, the public must become discerning consumers by verifying information before sharing it through social media platforms,” she said while appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia programme titled ‘Media: Between Facts and Provocation’ today.

She also recommended the use of the THINK (The Filtration THINK Gate) model to assess whether information is true, helpful, inspiring, necessary and kind.

“Before sharing any news, the public should determine the extent to which it is true, whether it helps promote positive values and delivers meaningful benefits to society, as well as whether it is necessary to share or amplify and whether the content is communicated with courtesy and respect.

“If the information passes through every gate, it may be shared. However, if it fails any of these tests, then the news or information should not be disseminated through any platform,” she said.

Sofia Hayati said the failure to filter information could lead to an overabundance of negative news and false information that may foster hatred, erode trust and divide society.

According to her, statistics show that more than 85 per cent of Malaysians have social media accounts, while over 95 per cent are internet users, making digital literacy increasingly critical.

-- BERNAMA