Dr Matiur Rahman

In the information age, where social media platforms serve as both conduits and battlegrounds of narratives, rumours and fake news, consumption has become an intricate and concerning facet of public discourse, particularly during political unrest. Bangladesh, a nation with a rich tapestry of political history, has not been immune to this phenomenon.

The question that arises is, why do people find themselves drawn to and immersed in the web of misinformation during turbulent political times? To comprehend this intricate dance between social media, political unrest, and the allure of falsehoods, we must unravel the layers of psychology, societal dynamics, and the evolving media landscape.

Political unrest often breeds a climate of uncertainty and anxiety. In such times, people seek narratives that provide a semblance of understanding, control, or validation of their beliefs. Despite their dubious authenticity, rumours and fake news offer narratives that can be more emotionally resonant or align with pre-existing beliefs. Even if inaccurate, these narratives serve as a psychological anchor in tumultuous times, providing individuals with a perceived sense of clarity in an otherwise chaotic environment.

Moreover, the rapid dissemination of information on social media platforms fuels a constant influx of narratives competing for attention and validation. Sensational and emotionally charged content often gains more traction than nuanced and fact-checked reporting in this deluge. Even if it leans towards misinformation, the allure of a gripping narrative becomes heightened during political unrest when individuals grapple with a sense of urgency and fear of the unknown.

With its algorithm-driven content delivery, social media can create echo chambers—virtual spaces where individuals are exposed to information that aligns with their beliefs and perspectives. During political unrest, when tensions run high, people seek validation and affirmation of their views. Rumours and fake news, often tailored to fit specific narratives, find fertile ground in these echo chambers to reinforce existing biases and deepen polarisation.

The echo chamber effect not only amplifies the consumption of misinformation but also creates a self-reinforcing cycle. Individuals within these echo chambers are likelier to share, engage with, and perpetuate content that aligns with their worldview. This cycle, fueled by the psychological need for validation and the algorithmic design of social media platforms, contributes to spreading rumours and fake news during political unrest.

Political unrest is inherently tied to emotions such as fear, anger, and uncertainty. During such times, individuals are more susceptible to emotional triggers, and misinformation often plays on these emotions to garner attention and engagement. False narratives that evoke strong emotional responses tend to spread rapidly as they tap into the collective psyche of a society grappling with political turmoil.

Furthermore, rumours and fake news are often sensationalised by nature, presenting a distorted reality that is more likely to trigger emotional reactions. The psychological appeal of emotionally charged content, combined with the urgent and uncertain nature of political unrest, creates a perfect storm for the viral spread of misinformation on social media.

A significant factor contributing to the prevalence of misinformation during political unrest is the erosion of trust in mainstream media and institutions. In many cases, political upheaval is accompanied by disillusionment with traditional sources of information. People may perceive mainstream media as biased, unreliable, or compromised by political interests.

This lack of trust in established institutions creates a vacuum often filled by alternative narratives circulating on social media. Individuals may turn to unofficial channels and unverified sources for what they perceive as more authentic or unfiltered information. The void left by the perceived inadequacies of mainstream media becomes a breeding ground for rumours and fake news to flourish.

Social identity and group dynamics are pivotal in shaping individual behaviour, particularly political unrest. People often identify strongly with social, religious, or political groups, and these affiliations influence their perception of reality. Rumours and fake news that align with the narratives promoted by these groups are more likely to be accepted and shared, fostering a sense of solidarity and reinforcing group identity.

The desire to belong and conform to the views of one's social or political group can override the critical evaluation of information. In the context of political unrest, where loyalties and affiliations are heightened, individuals may be more inclined to accept and propagate misinformation that aligns with the narrative of their chosen group. The echo chamber effect further exacerbates this phenomenon, as individuals within the same group reinforce and validate each other's beliefs.

Social media platforms thrive on virality—the rapid spread of content through sharing and engagement. Rumours and fake news, often designed with shareability in mind, exploit this aspect of social media dynamics. Sensationalised or emotionally charged content is more likely to be shared, commented on, and elicit reactions, leading algorithms to prioritise its visibility.

During political unrest, when emotions are heightened, individuals are more prone to sharing content that aligns with their sentiments, even if the information lacks credibility. The sheer volume of shared content creates a perception of legitimacy, as users see the same information repeated across their social circles. The virality quotient, coupled with the psychological factors at play, contributes significantly to the widespread dissemination of misinformation.

The algorithms that govern content delivery on social media platforms play a critical role in shaping user experiences. These algorithms are designed to maximise user engagement by presenting content likely to elicit reactions, comments, and shares. While the intent is to enhance user experience, the unintended consequence is the creation of a feedback loop that amplifies the visibility of sensationalised or false information.

As users engage with and share misinformation, the algorithm interprets this as a signal of relevance and popularity, further promoting similar content to a broader audience. This feedback loop, driven by algorithmic mechanisms, sustains the virality of misinformation during political unrest, contributing to its persistence and widespread reach.

Cognitive biases, inherent tendencies in human thinking, also play a role in the consumption of misinformation. Confirmation bias, the tendency to favour information confirming pre-existing beliefs, can lead individuals to selectively accept and share content that aligns with their worldview. During political unrest, when uncertainties abound, individuals may be more susceptible to information that provides a sense of confirmation and reassurance.

Additionally, the illusory truth effect, a cognitive phenomenon where repeated exposure to false information increases its perceived credibility, contributes to the acceptance of rumours and fake news. The sheer repetition of misinformation on social media platforms, fueled by the algorithmic feedback loop, reinforces the illusion of truth, making it more challenging for individuals to discern fact from fiction.

The phenomenon of widespread consumption of rumours and fake news during political unrest in Bangladesh requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to mitigate its impact. Investing in media literacy education is imperative to empower individuals with the skills to evaluate information critically. Educational programs that teach digital literacy, fact-checking, and critical thinking can equip the public to navigate the complex landscape of information on social media.

Efforts to rebuild trust in mainstream media and established institutions are essential. Transparent and unbiased reporting, coupled with initiatives to engage with the public, can restore confidence in credible sources of information.

Ensuring transparency in the algorithms governing content delivery on social media platforms is crucial. Users should clearly understand how algorithms curate content, and outlets should implement measures to minimise the inadvertent amplification of misinformation.

Efforts to combat disinformation must extend to addressing its sources. Policymakers, technology companies, and civil society organisations should collaborate to identify and mitigate the spread of false information, focusing on holding purveyors of disinformation accountable.

Building digital resilience within communities involves equipping individuals with the skills and awareness to navigate online spaces responsibly. This includes understanding the psychological mechanisms, recognising potential pitfalls, and promoting a culture of responsible information sharing.

Social media platforms should collaborate with independent fact-checking organisations to identify and flag misinformation. Proactive measures, such as algorithmic adjustments to reduce the visibility of false information, can contribute to curbing the spread of rumours and fake news.

Promoting responsible user behaviour is essential. Users should be encouraged to verify information before sharing it, refrain from engaging in online echo chambers, and critically assess the emotional impact of content before accepting it as accurate.

The allure of rumours and fake news on social media during political unrest in Bangladesh is a complex interplay of psychological, societal, and technological factors. Understanding and addressing this phenomenon requires a nuanced approach encompassing media literacy education, trust-building measures, algorithmic transparency, and stakeholder collaborative efforts.

As Bangladesh grapples with the challenges of a rapidly evolving information landscape, fostering a culture of critical thinking and responsible information consumption is paramount. Navigating the complexities of the digital age demands collective action, where individuals, communities, technology platforms, and policymakers collaborate to build a more resilient and informed society.

In this journey, recognising the interconnectedness of information, psychology, and societal dynamics is critical to unravelling the allure of misinformation and charting a course toward a more discerning and informed public discourse.

The writer is a researcher and development worker