MP Arora: Superstitious beliefs on social media a grave concern

Ludhiana, October 2, 2024: MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora has written to Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah and Minister of Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw for taking an action against the propagation of superstitious beliefs on social media.

Expressing his deep concern regarding the increasing propagation and promotion of superstitious beliefs on social media platforms under the pretext of possessing magical powers, MP Arora wrote that the rise in the dissemination of superstitious content on social media is a grave issue that warrants immediate attention. These practices exploit vulnerable individuals and undermine the rational and scientific mindset that is crucial for societal progress also enlisted in directive principles of state policy.

Arora has cited certain facts highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue. He said data from the Cyber Crime Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs reveals a staggering 35% increase in reported cases of social media fraud from 2021 to 2023. Many of these cases involve fraudulent claims of supernatural powers and miraculous cures, demonstrating the scale of the problem.

He further wrote that the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that misinformation about medical treatments, including claims of supernatural remedies, can lead to significant public health risks. In India, the spread of such misinformation has been linked to a decline in vaccination rates and increased rates of preventable diseases. According to a 2023 study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there was a 20% increase in cases of vaccine-preventable diseases, partially attributed to misinformation spread via social media.

Adding, he said the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has documented a rise in financial fraud related to superstitious claims. In 2023 alone, over 60 crore was reported lost by individuals duped by fraudulent schemes promising financial gain through supernatural means. This financial exploitation underscores the need for stricter regulatory measures. Lot of cases go unreported also.

He further apprised the Minister that a report by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) indicates that there has been a 25% increase in cases of anxiety and stress related to exposure to fraudulent superstitious claims on social media. The psychological impact on individuals who are misled into believing in false promises of protection or success is a growing concern.

Arora further mentioned in his communication that according to a 2023 survey by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), more than 70% of social media users in India have encountered misleading or fraudulent content. Despite existing regulations, enforcement remains a challenge, with many fraudulent accounts operating with relative impunity.

He suggested a few actions to address this pressing issue. He suggested developing and enforcing stricter regulations for social media platforms to prevent the promotion of content that falsely claims magical powers or remedies. This could include enhanced collaboration with tech companies to identify and remove fraudulent content promptly.

Arora further suggested launching nationwide awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of superstitious beliefs and the importance of relying on scientific evidence and rational thinking. Engaging with communities and leveraging media platforms can help in spreading accurate information.

While suggesting legal measures, he suggested introducing stringent legal provisions to penalize those who engage in fraudulent activities involving superstitious claims. Collaborate with legal and regulatory bodies to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, and that justice is served.

He suggested to establishing counselling services, helplines, and clear avenues for reporting and addressing such incidents with a view to provide support systems for individuals who have been exploited or harmed by such fraudulent activities,

Concluding, he said he is confident that both the Ministries with its collaboration and all other stakeholders, would take steps to curb spread of superstitious beliefs and ensure that social media remains a platform for constructive and truthful communication.