Misinformation on Social Media and Its Consequences: Issues to Consider in Tamil Media

Social media has revolutionized communication, offering unprecedented opportunities for information dissemination and engagement. In the context of Tamil media, which is rapidly evolving due to the influence of digital platforms, social media plays a pivotal role in the development and expansion of the Tamil language. However, it also brings significant challenges, notably the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation that threatens the integrity of public discourse. This article explores the impact of social media on Tamil media, examining both its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the transformations it has undergone in the digital age. It highlights the pervasive spread of misinformation, evaluates various methods to prevent it, and discusses the social responsibility of media entities in addressing these challenges. The study concludes with recommendations for maintaining media quality standards and effectively combating misinformation within the Tamil media landscape, emphasizing the need for enhanced media literacy and collaboration among stakeholders. This research is conducted within the framework of Tamil media, which encompasses various forms of communication, including print, broadcast, and digital platforms, aimed at Tamil-speaking audiences globally. The study is particularly focused on the Tamil youth, diaspora who are using Social Media and media team and experts and the use of social media as a dominant channel for information exchange and interaction among Tamil speakers. Given the rapid growth of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp, the Tamil community increasingly relies on these mediums for news and information dissemination.