Chronology of rumours and misinformation during Covid-19

The article tries to understand the chronology of events that started rumors, fake news and misinformation about COVID-19 that eventually managed to spread across the communities. It highlights the conditions that provide a fertile ground for rumors and the role that social media and word of mouth play in giving them unprecedented speed and reach. The rumors and fake news are social behavior exhibited by people and fueled by television news channels for some compelling reasons known best to them provide necessary impetus for rumors to take off. Social media is the laboratory where fake news and rumors are incubated. Certain sections of the society are ready consumers of these rumors and fake news that often culminates into violence putting social amity into danger while authorities remains mute spectator of these social nightmares. Read More