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Available for over a year

Oxford University's internet Institute specialises in research on the social science of the internet and they’ve found that an increasing number of social media platforms are becoming vehicles for disinformation and propaganda. They found that false stories shared on Social Media were more popular than stories from more accurate professional sources. There’s nothing new about the manipulation of information to promote a cause or point of view - word of mouth - town criers - pulpits as well as parliaments, print and broadcast, have all been susceptible. but social media has provided many more opportunities for mass manipulation. In the digital world content can be created by anyone, can be targeted, and is bound by few rules. Furthermore it seems our every move and choice is being monitored and recorded. Far from the internet broadening our worldview it could be seen to box us in further. The motives behind Propaganda are usually self-serving and lack transparency, particularly where the sharing of false information is conscious. We’ve come to expect it in politics, entertainment and commerce but I am most troubled when I find it in the realm of religious teaching and practice because deception and a self-serving attitude are the very opposite of what religions are meant to be about – which is to serve others. In both my clinical and religious leadership roles I am conscious that an attitude of 'I am here to serve you' needs to underpin what's being spoken or there is a danger of serving my own motives born of ego. The teachings of the Srimad Bhagavatam established a threefold checking system 5000 years ago to ensure that false information is not being passed off as a spiritual truth and the messenger’s motives are honourable. This system means that everything that is said and done should be corroborated by saints, gurus and most importantly scripture. You can’t make something up to gain more followers: For example, I have from time to time received a video of someone who has convinced people that they have special abilities and is then promoted as the next ‘god’ but thankfully it doesn’t stick because scripture is very clear about the criteria for this. A robust corroboration system allows practitioners and leaders the opportunity to reflect and check any ulterior motives when trying to serve others with the sharing of wisdom where the attachment to adoration can be a vulnerability. There’s long been recommendations made for social media to be more regulated in terms of content. I think we also need to consider accuracy and motive because where there’s a desire for fame and followers, propaganda is round the corner and disinformation is not far behind. Perhaps if we are more conscious of our own motives when viewing and sharing content, the truth is more likely to emerge amongst the many voices screaming for attention.