Halt the hysteria


As if scripted, many of us are loathe to authenticate the information, and instead, simply forward it. To add insult to injury, some even included a caveat saying they weren’t sure how true the data was but shared it anyway. — The Star

MALAYSIANS found themselves in a web of fake newsmongers once again, with a series of fraudulent reports furiously making the rounds on social media, misleading many.

And as if scripted, many of us are loathe to authenticate the information, and instead, simply forward it. To add insult to injury, some even included a caveat saying they weren’t sure how true the data was but shared it anyway.

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Wong Chun Wai , On the Beat column

Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang, and has served The Star for over 35 years in various capacities and roles. He is now group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. On The Beat made its debut on Feb 23 1997 and Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for the occasional press holiday when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star.

   

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