UAE has a sound strategy to root out fake news during Covid
Media and channels of mass communication have broadly been utilised to carve the minds of masses and guide them to think in certain ways. Researchers have long argued the connection between mass media and the role it plays to mold interpersonal communication. The disciplines of psychology and media have been interrelated whereby communication is constantly evolving as an instrument to navigate psychological theories.
During episodes of dilemma and mass fear, communication takes centre stage in keeping audiences informed, involved, and instilled with hope in support of larger communities. In this era, where information can be generated by anyone and spread in a matter of seconds, communication professions, media houses, and government establishments need to join hands to form a guide line protecting the general public from bombarding misinformation.
The Covid-19 pandemic hit the modern world with uncertainty and ensnared us in a situation beyond our comprehension as we witness a global economic calamity unfold. Modern aspects we embraced, such as globalisation, did not just act as a catalyst flaring the virus but also provoked masses into instant panic.
Communication experts across media have to be actively involved in generating credible information and joining efforts with authorities concerned in keeping the public away from panic. This is not the time to suppress information but compile it in a manner that cushions the public and ensures them their safety.
Visual communication is an effective instrument to create awareness. A picture speaks a thousand words, is a phrase we have all heard. In addition to traditional mediums of communication, such as news reports, press releases, long- and short- form writings, and social media captions, infographics, such as easy ways to sanitise and maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, convey messages of togetherness and hope. The UAE has done outstandingly well in this realm.
In these tough times, where people want reassurance, hope, and positivity; formal communication is not enough. Communication narratives should be more human at this point. Sometimes the audience needs to know that you understand their concerns and are with them in overcoming the tough circumstances.
The UAE has proven to be one of the fastest nations to respond to the pandemic. Apart from mobilising authorities to work on action plans, the government ensured the nation had enough hygiene products and disseminated information on this thoroughly, which avoided a panic situation faced in most parts of the world.
A new law introduced by the Ministry of Interior linked to the spread of online misinformation about Covid-19 has reduced any sort of panic caused by false details shared on social media platforms. Additionally, in a bid to curb the
A new law introduced by the Ministry of Interior linked to the spread of online misinformation about Covid-19 has reduced panic caused by fake news.
flow of misinformation, Facebook-owned WhatsApp recently revised the limit on forwarding messages.
The UAE has responded but not overreacted to the situation which has largely kept the population calm and collected. The government has further announced an economic stimulus to support citizens and businesses. Such initiatives and messages provide a sense of hope and are much-required during distressing times.
Communication professionals are obligated to do their part in fighting this pandemic. We should guard our societies from misinformation and news that could create panic. We are not just fighting a pandemic, but also reinforcing awareness on the repercussion of an infodemic.