How damaging is Fake News in a normal setting or a day to day life? It would definitely stir up some controversy in the short run, but eventually would be solved in the long run. But based on circumstances, fake news could do so much harm to an individual in a time of Crisis. Without being able to do extensive research during a time of Crisis such as COVID-19, fake news brings out a side of humanity that isn’t normal due to paranoia and stress. False news during this time is “widely shared, with screenshots”(Mwai) and through other means. This has harmed the reputation of” 2018 Nobel laureate Dr Dénis Mukwege” who was stated to “resigned from Covid-19 response teams in DR Congo because he had been ordered to declare illnesses and deaths to be coronavirus-related even when they were not.”(Mwai) This kind of attention is garnered by the bold crazy claims made by these fake news, often announcing that someone is dead or injured. This creates issues that can confuse the mass and harm individuals’ brand and or achievements. Lucky this case of fake news was cleared up quickly, which resulted in limited confusion and unwarranted judgement on Dr Dénis Mukwege’s resignation-- which was due to his own drive to help the “influx of patients at the Panzi Hospital which is run by his foundation.”(Mwai) I am glad that this case is over but in the same light, I am horrified at the amount of fake news out there and the damage it can do.
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