We have had several Virus outbreaks in the
past. But we did not have access to the
information related to its Intensity and the Casualty. The Communication System prevalent earlier
were different. It was not so dynamic
and accessible like it is today.
The Social Media is getting stronger and
powerful, day-by-day, in creating and influencing opinions. They are fast becoming a deadly Virus, which
has the capacity to carry untrue and unverified information and serve it as the
only Truth. The number of people
affected by Dengue Virus last year in Tamil Nadu was more than 3,000, out of
which more than 550 of them were from Chennai.
But these numbers were spread across 12 months. A long period for these Social Medias to keep
a topic alive and that too with intensity.
Probably, that may be one reason for not carrying that many messages
about Dengu atleast in Tamil Nadu.
In today’s world, the meaning of the word Truth
has changed. Truth has become something
which is widely believed to be correct.
This is where Social Media helps in making believe the People that the
message transmitted is Correct by letting it go Viral. Truth has also become anything that is
appearing in News Paper, Web Site and Social Media.
When there is fear in the minds of the people,
we as individuals need to be more responsible in creating calmness and not
indulge in any act that might flame the fear further. The Social Media is full of news, created and
designed to appear as truth. Many of us
receive several messages, mostly forwarded, about Do’s, Don’ts, remedies,
suggestions, home medicines, etc. All
are unverified. We tend to open it and
then forward it immediately to others.
All with a curiosity of being the first to share with near and dear.
More often, we carry these messages forward, as
we feel we have got a good information and want to send it to our friends in
the Social Media for their benefit. A
perfect platform to spread falsehood. It
is easy for people to be misguided.
There are plenty of Myths floating around. We need to act responsibly and stop
forwarding any news related to this Virus unless it is verified to be true.
During any natural calamity and any outbreak,
the best principle to follow is “to stay put where you are safe”. This is precisely what the Government has
prescribed to us. Some people are
frustrated and feel that it is okay to go out because the number of affected
people is not that much. What they fail
to understand is that the numbers are low only because we are in lock
down. Had we been going out like before,
the number of people inflicted with Coronavirus would have been much higher.
The challenge for the Government and the people
is going to be even more difficult, whenever the Lock Down is to be
cancelled. More cooperation from the
Public is required then. The Lock Down period may be extended beyond 14th of
April or may be called off in full or in Part.
Much depends on how the Coronavirus has spread in India.
Irrespective of the Government’s decision, we
need to be more careful and continue with the Social Distancing and maintaining
cleanliness by washing our hands regularly.
These types of Imported Virus have a big ego, they don’t come to you
unless you go and call them. Everything
is in our hands now, literally. We can
make the difference.
Your cooperation and safety are important for
your health and that of your near and dear.
Residents must follow the rules, regulations and restrictions, framed by
the Government, Local Bodies and RWA.
These are framed and implemented for the safety of the Residents.
Remember! ONE BAD APPLE SPOILS THE WHOLE BUNCH
(The above article was
written as an Editorial for publication in Apr. 2020 issue of PRINCE’S VOICE –
A Community eMagazine)
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