Rumourmongering, misinformation continue to be a scourge in our nation, need to address them
Call it fake news, gossip or simply lies, rumourmongering and misinformation are our greatest scourge.
They cause irreparable damage and harm to people and communities.
Despite a concerted public awareness campaign by people and organisations concerned with the rising blatant disregard for the truth morally corrupt people continue to engage in such shameful acts.
The perpetrators appear to regard their frivolous and thrill seeking acts as a means to have some fun and a dig at their political adversaries.
The latest shot fired by a failed election candidate of now suspended SODELA was that Government would close Queen Victoria School. It’s not true.
It is unacceptable and she should be held accountable for her action. It appears malicious in nature and designed to hurt the Goverment. But the people who are affected the most are the parents, students and the whole QVS community.
The lie has undoubtedly caused some anxiety among stakeholders especially for those who are gullible. They will believe everything they hear.
It should become routine now that it’s in everyone’s interest to verify new information they come across on social media.
In the QVS case, a simple call or check at the nearest Ministry of Education office would have clarified the situation.
Information is essential in the world that we live in. People must be reliably and fully informed of what’s happening around them. They need facts and figures and the truth to be able to make intelligent decisions about their lives.
Those disseminating information Including ordinary members of the public have a moral obligation to ensure that they do not spread unsubstantiated rumours, misinformation and lies.
It’s all our responsibility. We need to say no to rumourmongering and misinformation.
It’s not the first time that QVS is a target by politicians as part of their political grandstanding and attempts to remain relevant. Sadly, It may not be the last.
The latest shot fired by a failed SODELPA election candidate was that Government would close Queen Victoria School. It’s not true.