Question

• ‘A lie can run round the world before truth has got its boots on.’
  The above quotation expresses how fast rumours spread.
• Talk with your group about some recent rumour, when people believed at first and suffered for it, later.
• Also discuss, how one can decide whether some news is a fact or fake.
• Who, do you think, are responsible for spreading false news?
• Do you believe in all the news that you come across?
• Give one example of a rumour which seemed to be fact in the beginning, later it was proved false.

Answer 1

• A recent rumour was that drinking a special herbal drink could cure COVID-19. Many people believed it and did not take proper medical treatment. Later, doctors proved that the rumour was false. Some people suffered because they trusted the rumour instead of following medical advice.
• We should always check if the news comes from a trusted source. We should not believe or share news without verifying it. It is better to check reliable websites, newspapers, or official announcements before accepting it as true.
• People who share information without checking the facts are responsible for spreading false news. Some people spread rumours for fun, while others do it to gain attention or create confusion.
• No, I do not believe all the news I come across. I first check whether it is from a trusted source. Only after verifying the facts do I believe or share the news.
• One example is the rumour that 5G mobile towers spread COVID-19. Many people believed it at first and even damaged mobile towers. Later, scientists proved that the virus had no connection with 5G technology.
• We learn that we should never believe or spread rumours without checking the facts. False news can create fear, confusion, and harm. We should always think carefully and verify the information before sharing it with others.