Uncovering the Psychological Hegemony Behind Communal Violence: A Strategical Deployment of ‘Disinformation’ by the Media

The ever- increasing pervasiveness of misinformation and disinformation by the third pillar of democracy, amidst the widely celebrated heterogeneity of the citizens in India, is having an extremely adverse impact upon the social order of the nation. This frequent deployment of disinformation is rampantly triggering violence amongst various communities and is fatal to the peaceful existence of the nation. The lacking authenticity and responsibility of this organ, which is otherwise required to be the most responsible, is forcing a hollow damage in shaping the minds of the individuals. Media as a tool, having the responsibility of bridging the gap between the society and the individuals by uncovering the facts for a conscious and informed mind-shaping of the citizens is today highlighting specific aspects perpetuating the division of communities upon the communal lines. Purposeful construction of images over sensitive issues of religion and casteism not only promotes communal riots but also foments bigotry and targeted hatred against the intended specifics. Tender minds, youth and uneducated are highly receptive to this media distortion. Media today is failing to balance transparency, participation, and accountability by deliberate sensationalism and diversionary tactics under favourable opportunities, which can infest and trigger communal conflagration and is playing a heavy role in exacerbating tensions in the community.