Don’t go by rumours

Muscat: Rumours are an age-old social phenomenon that have adapted seamlessly to modern society, their rapid spread affecting individuals and communities alike. Whether for entertainment or as a tool to sway public opinion, rumours wield enormous influence and often have negative consequences, especially when used to manipulate information or incite discord.

Rumour by definition is “unverified information that spreads quickly among people without proper fact-checking.”

Ranging from political scandals to economic crises, rumours thrive in a digital world where a single piece of information can circulate globally within minutes, often becoming perceived as fact. The rise of technology and social media platforms has made it easier than ever for rumours to gain traction, further blurring the line between reality and speculation.

On a personal level, rumours can induce fear and anxiety, severely impacting mental health. Misleading information, particularly in critical situations such as public health crises, can have devastating effects. During the Covid pandemic, for instance, rumours about unscientific cures led people to make dangerous health decisions, delaying proper treatment.

Dr Muhammad al Ghailani, a mental health consultant, explains, "Rumours not only increase anxiety and stress but can escalate health crises by spreading misinformation that impedes efforts to combat epidemics." The damage caused by rumours goes beyond individuals and ripples throughout society. Trust between citizens and institutions can erode, threatening both political stability and social cohesion. In times of political conflict or elections, rumours are frequently deployed as tools in psychological warfare, aimed at discrediting public figures or institutions. This false narrative can distort public opinion, shifting people’s perspectives based on lies rather than facts.

Abdullah al Rawahy, a social worker, highlights another danger: "Rumours can dismantle the social fabric by reinforcing divisions in society. When they target sensitive issues such as sectarianism or corruption, tensions can rise, sometimes sparking conflicts." Social media platforms, with their rapid dissemination of unverified information, provide fertile ground for rumours. In the digital age, virtually anyone can become a source of information, accurate or otherwise. The problem intensifies with artificial intelligence technologies capable of manipulating images and videos, making it even harder to determine what’s real.

Despite efforts by some social media platforms to limit fake news — through fact-checking tools and partnerships with specialised organisations — rumours continue to spread faster than they can be debunked.

Crises and periods of instability, whether political or economic, often create the perfect conditions for rumours to thrive. Economic uncertainty, for instance, breeds rumours about bank closures or currency collapses, leading individuals to panic and make decisions that further exacerbate the situation.

Addressing the harmful effects of rumours requires a multi-pronged approach. First, public awareness must be raised about the importance of verifying information before sharing it. This can be achieved by educating individuals on how to use available tools to fact-check news. Second, official institutions need to act swiftly and transparently to provide accurate information, filling the void that rumours typically occupy. Third, traditional media must continue to serve as a reliable source, offering well-researched and verified reports.

As Dr Al Ghailani stresses, "Community education is key to any strategy against rumours. While it may be impossible to completely prevent their spread, their impact can be minimised if people learn to verify information rather than be swayed by sensationalised stories." In this digital age, where information moves faster than ever, it is imperative for individuals to be more discerning, and for media outlets to intensify their efforts in fact-checking. By fostering a culture of truth and transparency, society can better protect itself from the pervasive and disruptive power of rumours.