Please accept information with care and responsibility.

A small mistake can lead to a big loss.

Storm No. 3 has caused huge losses to both people and property. Along with that, the floods after the storm have also caused serious losses in many localities. Perhaps because of that, information about the flood situation in the North is receiving the most attention and sharing on social networks.

However, besides official information from authorities, there are still some people who take advantage of natural disasters to deliberately release false information, causing public confusion, seriously affecting the work of preventing and fighting natural disasters, storms and floods...

Authorities mobilized to search for victims of the landslide in Cao Bang. (Photo: Traffic Police Department)

According to Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son - Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education, false information about the flood situation is not simply harmless text on the internet, but will later bring insecurity, anxiety, and even fear to thousands of people facing natural disasters.

In the life-and-death moments when storm No. 3 made landfall in the North, the truth was the most precious thing, because it helped people maintain faith and calmness to protect themselves and their families. But when fake news appeared, it was like an undercurrent that pulled everyone into confusion and panic.

Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son said that the consequences of this misinformation do not stop at confusion, but can also derail rescue and emergency response efforts. People may not be able to evacuate in time, or move to unsafe places just because they believe in unofficial sources of information. In moments when life is fragile, a small mistake can also lead to great loss.

"But perhaps the most heartbreaking thing is that people's trust in the government, in the forces at the forefront, can be shaken. When trust is broken, all efforts to prevent natural disasters become much more difficult. To protect lives, to maintain hope in the midst of storms, more than ever, the accuracy and transparency of information must be put first, because it is the lighthouse that guides us through all difficulties," Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son shared.

Commenting on this issue, Dr. Phan Van Kien - Director of the Institute of Journalism and Communication, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, said that false information is not good in any case. But in a crisis like the current one, when storm No. 3 is making landfall in the North and its circulation is causing a lot of damage to people and property, the consequences of this false information are more negative than ever.

Because in a crisis, the urgency of the situation reduces the vigilance and alertness of the information recipient. As a result, people are more likely to believe in the information that is spread. Because of this ease of reception and trust, the level of damage caused by false information is even greater. Not to mention, in terms of morality, taking advantage of a critical situation to defraud or even profit is an act that should be strongly condemned.

Be careful and responsible

"I think, in moments when natural disasters strike, community solidarity and calmness are the key to overcoming storms. But that can only be maintained if we spread accurate information together, because just one false rumor can disrupt all rescue and life-protection efforts," Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son, Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee for Culture and Education, emphasized.

According to Mr. Son, the most important thing that people need to remember is to always turn to official sources of information, sources from authorities and reputable newspapers. In the most difficult times, that is where we find truth, trust, and the right guidance to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

A lot of false information and flood situation is spread on social networks.

We also need to understand that sharing information on social media is not just a simple act of clicking the like or share button. Behind each click can be a life, a destiny, so be careful and responsible. Do not let unverified news cause unnecessary fear for thousands of others.

And if you come across fake news, don’t stay silent. Take action, report it to the authorities to stop its spread. It’s a small action with great power, because it helps protect the community from the dangers of misinformation.

Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son said that the government, the media and all social organizations need to join hands in educating and raising public awareness. Each of us, from ordinary individuals to leaders, can contribute to spreading the truth, helping the community better understand the importance of accurate information in times of danger.

Also, don’t forget that anyone who intentionally spreads fake news will be held accountable before the law. Such actions not only cause panic but also directly affect the safety of many people. The law will be a shield to protect the truth, but first, we ourselves need to be the strongest defenders of the truth.

Technology can help control information, but the most important thing is still the initiative of each person. Always be a smart consumer of information, do not let yourself be dragged into baseless rumors. Together, with sobriety and responsibility, we can overcome any storm in the strongest and safest way.

"I always believe that truth and trust among the community are great strengths for us to overcome the harshest challenges of nature," Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son expressed.

Hoa Giang

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ma-tran-tin-gia-ve-bao-lu-hay-tiep-nhan-thong-tin-bang-su-can-trong-va-trach-nhiem-post311936.html