The Internet has become a primary source of information for millions of Malawians.
However, the line between fact and fiction is increasingly blurred.
From WhatsApp groups to Facebook posts and viral tweets, information flows faster than ev-er—but so does misinformation, which mislead citizens, sow confusion and cause harm.
During elections and health crises like Covid-19, a false rumour forwarded many times can lead to panic and violence.
As citizens of a digital world, we must become critical consumers of information. It’s not just about reading and reacting, but analysing, questioning and verifying before clicking “share.”
Before believing or sharing online content, ask yourself: Where is this information coming from? Is it from a reputable news source or an unknown blog, screenshot or social media us-er?
Not every message forwarded by a friend or relative is true. Prioritise accuracy over virility.
If someone tells you government is distributing free fertiliser in your district, verify with the Ministry of Agriculture’s official page or reliable radio stations.
The same applies to major national issues. Always fact-check with multiple sources.
Misinformation is often crafted to trigger strong emotions—fear, anger or excitement. A viral post claiming that “foreigners are poisoning our maize flour” may sound alarming, but it is essential to pause and question: Is there proof? Who is saying this, and why?
When a message feels too outrageous to be true is exactly when we need to slow down and verify.
Old news stories sometimes resurface and are presented as if they are new, leading to confu-sion. Before reacting, check when the article or video was published.
Not every opinion is truth. During electoral campaign seasons, Malawians often encounter opinionated posts disguised as news. Ask yourself: Is this statement based on evidence or someone’s viewpoint? Opinions should be taken with a pinch of salt.
In this digital era, images can be easily edited and be used out of context. Use tools like Google Reverse Image Search to verify their source and authenticity.
An image of a collapsed bridge in Mozambique may be wrongly circulated as being from Nkhotakota, causing unnecessary alarm.
Sensational headlines such as “You won’t believe what this MP did in Parliament!” are designed to grab attention. Don’t be fooled by click bait. Read beyond the headline. Sometimes, the article tells a different tale.
A story with thousands of shares is not necessarily true. Misinformation spreads rapidly be-cause it shocks or entertains.
Just because everyone in your WhatsApp group is talking about something does not mean it happened.
Social media is full of influencers, bloggers, and citizen journalists, but how qualified are they? Do they have a track record of truth?
Take time to assess their credibility. Do not just fall for popularity.
Before pressing send, pause and ask yourself: Could this information be false? Will sharing this help or harm someone? Is it worth spreading?
We all have a role to stop the spread of falsehoods. Every time we share something without verifying, we risk contributing to confusion and fear.
Malawi is a country full of promise, where technology is increasingly shaping how we live, work and communicate. But with these opportunities come responsibilities.
As digital citizens, we must cultivate a culture of critical thinking.
Everyone must learn to question what they read and hear. Let us not allow misinformation to divide, deceive or derail us from progress. As a nation, we must rise above the noise and insist on truth, evidence and integrity.
Misinformation is like a weed in a field—it spreads quickly, but if we swiftly identify and deal with it, we protect the big harvests. The future of an informed Malawi depends on us.
