Verify Before You Try Passing on Information

Eman Kharoshah

Managing Arabic Editor

Journalism students in their freshman year study ways to validate information, how to double check sources and how to identify credible news. 

And it’s the case of all journalism peers at AUC, and supposedly, other universities too. Worldwide, it’s the essence of journalism.

However, I find myself shocked at the amount of false information circulating on social media regarding COVID-19. Well-educated colleagues are sharing information they are unable to verify, they might be sharing it for fun purposes, but the ways in which people perceive information differ. 

This is not restricted only to journalism fellows or news agencies, this includes Egyptians who spread rumours about the virus that come from unknown sources.

Yesterday, a former Caravan editor shared a post on Facebook discussing the issue of misinformation. To be honest, I couldn’t agree more with what she shared about the false news shared about the virus. 

“It’s our responsibility to second-guess everything we hear and read, especially if it’s just a forwarded message or a coped status update.Whether it is something telling us not to panic at all or to panic more than we already are,” she said. 

The truth is, as journalists, it is our responsibility to inform the public, and most importantly not to mislead them. 

And as responsible citizens, it is our responsibility not to spread sensitive rumors that might harm others, or spread fear that is more often than not, unnecessary. 

I am appalled at the amount of broadcast Whatsapp or Messenger messages that spread false information, not only about the virus, but about statistics that have powerful influence on the public. 

Personally, I was not fully aware of the negative impacts false information may have, this is most probably because I have not yet fully practiced on the ground journalism. However, it has finally come to my attention how false, misleading information can have harmful impact on the global level.

Despite how frightening the virus is, I am thankful that I have learned the skills to double check each and every piece of information I read, hear and write.