There is so much misinformation on all sorts of topics spreading around these days, that some people no longer know what to believe. Are you one of those persons spreading misinformation? Do you know, or are you even aware that one single bit of misinformation, or mistake, no matter how small, could result in anything from losing someone’s trust to becoming the target of a backlash or even legal action?
Misinformation and fake news can have real-life consequences. One only has to listen and see how it is causing havoc in other parts of the world. Stopping the proliferation of fake news is not just the responsibility of the platforms used to spread it. Those who consume news and other information also need to find ways of determining if what they are reading, hearing, or saying is true. It is vital to get all the facts right before jumping to conclusions.
One of the most important things is information, because it allows you to make decisions. Therefore, it is important to check out claims, that you hear or read, with reputable sources of information, and share good information with others. You see, misinformation is dangerous because it can spark or stir up unnecessary reactions or cause death, conflicts, tarnish the image of another, destroy relationships or ruin a lot of hard work.
Hence, we should do our due diligence in examining what we hear and read. Before sharing anything, make sure to stop and think, and check the information in order to share responsibly. It is vitally important that all of us in the community, and on social media, to always “Stop, Reflect, and Verify” before sharing any kind of information. When fake news and misinformation are repeated and intensified the real danger is that the actual information, based on truth, will have a limited impact.
The Bible too warns us about getting the facts. We are never called to rely on blind faith, but to base our faith on Godly knowledge and understanding, which is why God gave us His wisdom, the powers of logic and reasoning, as well as the wonderful privilege to read, check, and discuss His Word openly. God is never offended when we question what we read and hear about Him if we are doing it with an honest attitude of seeking to understand Him fully.
The Bible also highlights many persons who sought the facts when verifying information. One such person was Thomas, one of the twelve disciples. The Gospels do not tell us a lot about him, but it identified him with the story in John’s Gospel about him needing to touch Jesus’ wounds from the crucifixion before he would believe. He did not listen to hearsay, because of the facts. In an instant, Thomas went from not believing that Jesus had risen to recognising that He is God (John 20:28).
As human beings, we are all susceptible to disinformation and misinterpretation. Even Bible teachers can get it wrong too, so we need to search the scriptures for ourselves and do not just depend on the things we hear. The Bible is the ultimate standard of truth, and if we know it well, and keep building our faith on this rock, we will never be swept away by the winds of fake news, misinformation and half-truths.
Remember: Every man has a right to his opinion, but no man has a right to be wrong in his facts. It is the absence of facts that frightens people: the gap you open, into which they pour their fears, fantasies, and desires.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only and has now published Positive Living Volume 3. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. www.facebook.com/axawellnesscentre.
