WhatsApp has become a very popular way for people to message
friends and family around the world, whether it is across seas or across the
street. However, WhatsApp has also become a popular place for people to send
forwarding chains that falsely warn others about threats in the community.
While most people ignore these posts, many citizens in India believe these
posts and violently take matters into their own hands. Bloomberg reports that “at
least six people died in WhatsApp-related mob attacks” because people are on
the “look-out for anyone they don’t recognize.” A police superintendent warns
the community not to believe the fake news spread on the messaging app, and
that people should let law enforcement handle these situations. This trend
could cause “more violence… tensions, and religious riots” during India’s
election season, showing how dangerous fake news can be for a society.
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