The first thing yoiu should do is to check your counter-information (Shutterstock)

“I am right, you are wrong!”

“How dare you share that?”

“Shame on you!”

This is what appears to be the theme of many Whatsapp groups right now. A cacophonic jumble of arguments, simultaneous at times, with everyone either on attack or defense mode.

Against the backdrop of a global pandemic known as the coronavirus or COVID-19, here is a virtual battle zone. Your enemy is fake news. However, it appears that people forget that and target one another instead. There is a better way.

Twitter is another battle zone. It is not only keyboard warriors and haters who want to poke holes in every phrase. It is almost anyone who may have a varying report in the slightest.

Right now there is an absolute need to have information that helps us stay safer. Information on hygiene, new findings about the virus, latest government directives that we need to follow, and more, is pivotal.

However, it does not mean that we should belittle, abuse, shame and cut down another person for sharing their thought or news, which was meant to be helpful.

The exception to extending this civility is obviously people who are being abusive, cruel or prejudiced towards others. It is quite easy to distinguish when someone is being offensive versus simply sharing content.

Now, here is your strategy.

Whatever it is that you find inaccurate in somebody’s message, the first thing to do is check your own counter-information.

Are you certain they have it wrong? Is yours correct? If you are correcting someone else, you should have the right, verified version. So have it handy.

After you have ascertained that it is in fact fake and you have your truth bomb ready, do not fire just yet. Before pulling the pin, think about the damage this weapon could cause.

 The enemy is falsehood, so attack that, not the individual (Shutterstock)

It may lead to family arguments, if it is in family Whatsapp group territory. It could lead to unnecessary attacks by other “know-it-all” members on so-called security groups that every estate tends to have.

It may simply hurt someone’s feelings, even if that is the last thing many tend to consider nowadays.

Select a different method, consciously and carefully. You also have diplomatic negotiations up your sleeve, even if you are not a UN diplomat with all the benefits to boot.

Most people would rather engage in open and helpful dialogue. After all, the enemy is not the news bearer here. The enemy is falsehood, so attack that, not the individual.

Simply put, you can choose to say “Hey Karen, I think this may be inaccurate. This is what I came across on the XYZ news website.” Share the link and put it out there.

Remember to quote your source whenever possible. If Karen then decides to jump into attack mode and come after you with a “K” or counter argument, reevaluate your strategy.

At this point, you are free to select other weapons at your discretion. The most important element is the initial approach and extension of civil discourse.

Ultimately you could aim to reach a position where you are able to say, “Wow, I was wrong.” Or “I stand corrected” when you are on the fake side of the fence. Especially when someone is being nice about correcting you, this place is easier to reach than anticipated.

But that sounds almost utopic to many and certainly some could refuse to board that plane entirely. Alternatively a thumbs up emoji or silence is a great way to end a battle too.

The process may sound tedious or unnerving, but give it a try. You may be surprised by the lack of anger and festering resentment you shore up. After all, who couldn’t use some peace of mind right now?

- The writer is a reporter and anchor at KTN News