Rumor itself a virus, which harms many people: US Surgeon General's advice to Indians

- Rumor itself a virus, which harms many people: US Surgeon General's advice to Indians

Washington, May 17, 2021, Monday

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has advised Indians to stay away from rumors about the corona virus. "Rumors can be devastating in this difficult time," he said in a message addressed specifically to American Indians and Indians. So it should be avoided.

"Everything you read on social media during this time of the epidemic needs to be taken for granted and forged before you can forward it," Murthy said.

Dr. Murthy said that misinformation is a virus in itself, which harms people. Rumors sometimes force people to do things that annoy many other people besides the perpetrator.

Dr. Murthy told Indians living in the US in a virtual dialogue that rumors could add to India's woes as it faces another wave of corona. Advising Indians, he said that an app like WhatsApp was a better way to connect people with each other, but it could also spread false rumors.

The doctor added that the fact that the source of the information is very important. You need to know where the information you are trusting comes from. In this current epidemic, if you succeed in stopping fake news, you will be able to control the situation to a great extent.

The United States and India have been hit hardest by the Corona crisis. False and misleading information in both countries has weakened the government in this fight. From masks to vaccines, there was widespread misinformation on social media.