311. India Votes 2024: Democracy vs Disinformation (Part 1 of 4)

BIC TALKS

Misinformation and fake news pose significant challenges in the electoral context in India, influencing public opinion, political discourse, and ultimately, democratic processes. With the widespread use of social media and messaging platforms, false narratives can spread rapidly, often targeting specific communities or political factions. This phenomenon not only undermines the credibility of information but also exacerbates societal divisions and hampers informed decision-making among voters. In India, where diverse perspectives and identities intersect, the proliferation of misinformation can further polarise communities and distort electoral outcomes.

Love Jihad and Other Fictions is a book that debunks the viral falsehoods tearing India apart. Co-authored by three award-winning journalists – Sreenivasan Jain, Supriya Sharma and Mariyam Alavi – the book interrogates inflammatory conspiracy theories centred around the assertion that India’s minorities are plotting to weaken Hindus. Once confined to the fringe, these claims are today amplified by politicians, the mainstream media, and countless social media posts, a trend likely to accelerate as the Lok Sabha election approaches. A book like this, which debunks these divisive theories through hard nosed journalistic scrutiny, has never felt more timely.

In this episode of BIC Talks, the authors of the book, Sreenivasan Jain and Supriya Sharma, along with Vasu HV from Eedina.com are in conversation with Journalist, Dhanya Rajendran. This is an excerpt from a conversation that took place in the BIC premises in March 2024.

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