Fake news is considered to be mankind’s most deadly enemy; what with it being named 2017’s ‘word of the year’ , ‘fake news’ is a deeply entrenched problem that has been catalysing the misuse of information on social media.
Salman Khan arrived in Saudi Arabia a day ago, and reasons for his arrival seemed to be a bit confusing (and unknown).
Credible Indian publication ‘Pinkvilla’ reported that Salman Khan had arrived in Saudi Arabia yesterday to perform Umrah, and while the pot simmered with comments commending the actor (lots of MashAllahs), many began debunking the report and claimed it to be fake news.
‘Pinkvilla’ reported that Salman Khan had landed in Saudi Arabia “for his first Umrah.”
The news publication later edited its caption to “Salman Khan gets mobbed at Saudi Arabia airport as he visits the country for its 2019 film festival.”
The Instagram post was pounded by countless users who said that the actor was not there to perform an Umrah, but instead was there for a film festival.
This video of Salman Khan being mobbed as he arrived in Saudi Arabia went viral after claims that he was there for Umrah.
Other news publications reported that there was no indication from Salman Khan’s team to suggest that the actor was in Saudi Arabia for Umrah. ‘Times Of India’ rebuked reports of Salman Khan arriving for Umrah, and said that “there is no confirmation of the same.”‘ Hindustan Times’ confirmed that the actor was in Saudi Arabia to attend the “Saudi Film Festival, being held in the King Abdulaziz Culture Centre, Ithra.”
People condemned ‘Pinkvilla’ for spreading fake news, calling out the publication and denouncing it.
Source: pinkvilla.com
Well that was awkward.
How detrimental is fake news in your opinion?