News of a draft proclamation shared during a casual coffee chat surprised our friend group. According to one of us, the proposed law seemed to impact everyone’s economic interests, sparking a heated discussion about its potential effects on society, including us.

Our friend shared unfiltered information, and without prior knowledge, we could not fact-check his claims. Later, I found a credible news report that revealed the legislation's scope was defined in monetary terms, excluding most people. This revelation clarified the confusion caused by our friend's incomplete information. Though I do not question his intentions, the unverified sharing left us confused until we were better informed.

Incomplete arguments and half-truths are misleading. Sometimes, we remain stuck with false information, as it spreads through media and word of mouth, affecting millions.

A vivid example is in Salman Rushdie's "Midnight’s Children," where Indian media misled the public with reports of heroic gains in the Indo-China war, only for the truth about devastating losses to emerge later. Rushdie's statement, “That day we learned the fear of God and China,” captures the disillusionment caused by misinformation.

Misinformation is the unintentional spread of false information, while disinformation is the deliberate distortion of facts. Both spread incorrect information, but disinformation includes an intent to mislead.

In the digital age, distinguishing truth from falsehood is more difficult. The sheer volume of information, influenced by the originator's motives, necessitates scrutiny. From personal experience, I limit my exposure to media streams and product advertisements, relying on trusted testimonials and neutral news sources for a balanced perspective. Social media, in particular, is the least reliable source of information on current affairs.

The stock market is notoriously susceptible to information distortion. Events unrelated to economic or operational issues, such as share holder's life events or political turmoil, can impact stock values due to speculative perceptions. For instance, Jeff Bezos’ divorce created uncertainty among Amazon shareholders due to speculation about his ex-wife’s newfound power.

As our coffee chat progressed, it became clear that our initial reaction was fueled by incomplete information. The experience underscored the importance of verifying information before drawing conclusions or spreading it further. In an era where misinformation is rampant, taking a step back to fact-check can save us from unnecessary worry and misguided actions.

This incident reminded me of other instances where misinformation had led to widespread confusion and distress. One prominent example is the panic buying and hoarding behavior seen at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Reports and rumors of supply shortages led people to stockpile essentials like toilet paper and hand sanitizer, creating actual shortages and exacerbating the situation. It was only later, when accurate information became more widely available, that the public began to understand the real situation and adjust their behavior accordingly.

The term "Infodemic," coined during the pandemic, describes the exponential spread of both false and true information, causing harm and becoming unmanageable. According to the WHO, the Covid-related infodemic was as dangerous as the virus itself. Efforts to combat it complicated the fight against the disease, prolonging the pandemic and adding financial and operational burdens.