Moment Idul Fitri is a blessed moment eagerly awaited by many people. In addition to being a moment to gather with family and friends and maintain relationships, Eid is also the perfect time to exchange news and stories. However, during this celebration, one must be cautious of the misinformation, disinformation, and malformation that are prone to occur when information spreads massively.
According to the Deputy for Dissemination and Media Information of the Presidential Communication Team (PCO) Noudhy Valdryno, the ability to filter and identify information is very relevant today. We all have a role in combating information disruptions to maintain unity and solidarity. The moment of Eid should be used as an opportunity to strengthen national unity and enhance social solidarity.
Besides celebrating Eid by gathering with family, being wise also means being able to differentiate the three main sources of public misperceptions. Misinformation, for example, occurs when information circulating is incorrect due to ignorance without intent to mislead. On the other hand, disinformation refers to information deliberately spread with ill intent. While malformation occurs when correct information is presented in the wrong context or at the wrong time.
To avoid falling into traps of wrong information, it is important to choose accurate and reliable sources of information. Especially in this digital era, where social media platforms often become a medium for spreading misinformation, disinformation, and malformation. Therefore, during this Eid moment, mass media is expected to act as a gatekeeper to provide accurate information and build public awareness not to be easily influenced by invalid information.
Thus, celebrating Eid wisely can also be interpreted as being wise in choosing the information we receive and disseminate. With this awareness, hopefully, we can maintain the integrity of unity and solidarity amidst the continuous flow of information in the digital era.
