In a world where fake news thrives on sensationalism, responsible journalism must prioritise accuracy over speed, writes Lincoln Md Lutforzaman Sarker
IN THE digital age, information flows freely, but so does misinformation. In Bangladesh, journalism, like in many parts of the world, is facing an unprecedented challenge — fake news. As the nation’s media landscape continues to evolve, journalists find themselves at the forefront of this battle to uphold truth and integrity. We will try to explore the challenges journalism in Bangladesh faces concerning fake news and the crucial role it plays in safeguarding a democratic society.
Fake news has become an alarming global phenomenon, and Bangladesh is no exception. The rise of social media platforms has made it easier for false information to spread rapidly, posing a significant threat to the credibility of journalism. In Bangladesh, fake news is prevalent on social media platforms, mostly Facebook and Messenger, which play vital roles in spreading misinformation. On social media, it often goes viral before being debunked.
Disinformation is a deliberate strategy aimed at spreading false or misleading information with the intent to deceive, manipulate, or harm individuals, groups, or institutions. This phenomenon encompasses three distinct categories: disinformation, misinformation, and mal-information, all of which can pose significant threats to journalism and the integrity of mainstream media. In these three categories, various tactics are employed to achieve their harmful goals. These tactics include the dissemination of false connections, the presentation of misleading content, the distortion of context, the creation of imposter content, the manipulation of visuals or audio, the fabrication of entirely false narratives, the release of confidential information (leaks), and the use of harassment and hate speech.
According to Rumor Scanner Bangladesh, an independent digital journalism initiative based in Bangladesh, during the latter half of 2022, a total of 100 mainstream media outlets disseminated 789 reports spanning 80 distinct subjects, all of which have been flagged as containing disinformation or false information.
The consequences of fake news can be dire, ranging from inciting violence to damaging reputations and undermining trust in the media. When such occurrences persist within mainstream media, rumours have the potential to proliferate, and vested interests may seize the opportunity to exploit them. In recent times, our nation has unfortunately witnessed a series of distressing incidents, such as the Ramu, Nasirnagar, and Sayeedi rumour riots, among others. These events have not only caused significant harm within our borders but have also had a detrimental impact on our reputation both domestically and internationally.
According to Kepios’s research, the number of people using social media in Bangladesh increased by 4.6 million (+10.1 per cent) from 2021 to 2022. In January 2022, Bangladesh had 49.55 million social media users. Besides, at the beginning of the first month of 2022, social media users accounted for 29.7 per cent of the total population, while Bangladesh’s total population reached 167.1 million people in the same period. Accordingly, Bangladesh’s internet penetration rate stood at 31.5 per cent of the total population, and the number of internet users has been increasing to 52.58 million. In contrast, the number of mobile phone users has reached 163.3 million. It means that the vast majority of the population can afford a smartphone and that information can flow freely.
Journalists’ challenges
ONE of the foremost challenges facing journalists is the race to report news quickly in a round-the-clock news cycle. This push for immediacy can compromise the accuracy of information. Journalists often find themselves under pressure to break news first, leading to hastily published stories that may contain errors or unverified information. In a world where fake news thrives on sensationalism, responsible journalism must prioritise accuracy over speed.
In the age of social media, anyone can be a source of news, making the verification of information increasingly complex. Fake news often originates from unverified sources, anonymous accounts, or biased outlets. Journalists must dedicate time and resources to confirm the credibility of their sources, which can be challenging in an environment where misinformation is rampant.
Social media platforms tend to create echo chambers where individuals are exposed to content that aligns with their existing beliefs and biases. This confirmation bias makes it easier for fake news to spread unchecked, as people are more likely to believe and share information that supports their views. Journalists must navigate these echo chambers and strive to present balanced, fact-based reporting that challenges existing narratives.
In Bangladesh, journalists often face threats, harassment, and even physical violence for reporting on sensitive issues or exposing corruption. These threats can deter investigative journalism, leading to self-censorship and a chilling effect on press freedom. When journalists fear for their safety, it becomes even more challenging to uncover the truth and combat fake news effectively.
Many media outlets in Bangladesh operate with limited resources, including staff and funding. This constrains their ability to conduct in-depth investigations and fact-checking, leaving them vulnerable to the spread of fake news. Journalists often work under tight deadlines, which can hinder their ability to scrutinise information thoroughly.
Combating fake news
DESPITE these challenges, journalism remains an essential pillar of democracy. It is through the diligent efforts of journalists that society can hold the powerful accountable, uncover corruption, and provide citizens with reliable information. To combat the proliferation of fake news in Bangladesh, journalists must take proactive steps.
Fact-checking: Fact-checking should be an integral part of the journalistic process. Media outlets should dedicate resources to verifying information before publication and providing corrections when necessary. Collaborative fact-checking initiatives can also help enhance accuracy and accountability.
Media literacy: Promoting media literacy among the public is crucial to empowering individuals to discern credible sources from misinformation. Educational campaigns and initiatives can help citizens develop critical thinking skills and navigate the digital information landscape more effectively.
Ethical reporting: Journalists should adhere to ethical standards and principles, including fairness, objectivity, and transparency. Responsible reporting can help counter the spread of fake news and build trust with the audience.
Collaboration: Media organisations should collaborate with each other and with fact-checking organisations to share resources and information. This collaborative approach can lead to more effective fact-checking and the rapid debunking of fake news.
Neutral gate-keeping: Gatekeepers and media owners can exhibit greater flexibility, provided we can guarantee it. This flexibility can lead to the inclusion of more credible and dependable media outlets known for their commitment to ethical and high-standard journalism practices.
Advocacy for press freedom: Journalists and media organisations should advocate for press freedom and the protection of journalists’ rights. A free and independent press is essential for holding those in power accountable and ensuring a vibrant democracy.
The battle against fake news in Bangladesh is far from over, but journalism remains a beacon of hope in this challenging landscape. Ultimately, the fight against fake news requires the collective effort of journalists, media organisations, policymakers, and the public. It is a battle worth fighting for the future of the nation, which depends on the strength of its journalism in the face of misinformation.
Lincoln Md Lutforzaman Sarker is an assistant general manager of public relations at Nagad Ltd. He is a former journalist