Influencers or Misinformers? The Truth Behind Viral Content

On a fine day, you’re scrolling through your Instagram and see an influencer confidently declaring, “The milk at railway stations isn’t milk, it’s a dangerous chemical!” The video went viral, and people just reciprocated and confirmed that the milk served at railway stations was not natural milk but a chemical that transformed into milk when mixed with water. Just one video and an influencer’s voiceover led to disturbing incidents. In Bihar, a group of passengers assaulted a railway staff member selling tea, throwing his items onto the tracks. While he survived the physical injuries, the emotional trauma must still be there.

An FIR was lodged, and the investigation revealed that the milk he sold was genuine. It was sourced daily from the IRCTC catering distribution centre, which procures fresh milk from local farms and villages.

In another incident in Uttar Pradesh, daily commuters on a local train nearly killed another staff member, forcing him to drink an entire can of milk to “prove” its authenticity. The situation was eventually defused by railway police, who arrested a few individuals and most fled the scene. The investigation confirmed that this vendor, too, was serving genuine milk.

Just one video that triggered this chaos originated from a single station in Bharuch; its authenticity remains unclear. This incident must remind us how we must receive unverified content and deal with its consequences. While this example highlights the actions of a specific group, it raises a larger question: should such extreme behaviour ever be justified by a mere video?

This isn’t fiction. It’s an actual incident that occurred in our country, pushed by false claims on social media. And sadly, it’s just the tip of the iceberg of our problems.

The Power, the Problem, Who? The Influencers

India has a vast population and growing internet access, which has birthed content creators from every area and on every street. From nano-influencers with a few thousand followers to viral sensations, these creators are shaping public opinions, daily habits, and even political ideologies. But with great influence comes… well, minimal accountability.

According to UNESCO’s recent report, six out of 10 influencers globally admit they don’t fact-check their content. Instead, they rely on personal experiences, viral trends or sheer guesswork. Really?

In India, where influencers are educators, entertainers and even health advisors, the impact of such carelessness is amplified.
Take Vandana, a fitness influencer with a decent following. She claimed diseases have no genetic or idiopathic causes and can be cured entirely with good nutrition and exercise. She dismissed vaccines and medications, urging doctors to stop prescribing them. When confronted with a question about treating tuberculosis or cancer with her methods, she chose silence. The result? Thousands of followers were potentially misled into distrusting proven medical science.

A Circus of Misinformation

Indian influencers are not just sharing on health. They are in every domain. Most of them need more expertise to back their claims. Here’s how their unverified posts are reshaping public perception:

1. Health & Fitness Hacks Gone Wrong
   • Recipes of miracle weight loss drinks and detox teas with zero scientific basis.
   • Warnings like rice and all oils are branded as “poison,” triggering unnecessary panic.
2. Beauty Myths
   • Toothpaste for burns? Bleach for fairness? They must be joking. Such harmful DIY trends are promoted and people trust and try them.
3. Travel Scams
   • Destinations promoted for views as “hidden gems” often turn out overcrowded, inaccessible or unsafe, leaving travellers stranded.
   • Influencers falsely promoted dangerous, inaccessible, or restricted spots. This has led to numerous instances where viewers flock to caves, forest trails, or waterfalls, only to discover that these locations are closed, non-existent, or shut down by authorities long ago.
   • The gap between online portrayals and reality not only disappoints travellers but also causes unnecessary confusion and chaos, as well as safety issues.
4. Financial Faux Pas
   • Promises of wealth through crypto schemes, “get rich quick” plans, and even stocks or mutual funds often lead to scams and financial loss.
   • A recent Memecoin incident exemplifies why you should only trust your influencers with proven data.

Not just these but Political Manipulations, Tech Gimmicks, Diet Coaches and many more fake and false propaganda are being promoted in various niches.

Why Are We Falling for This?

Unesco reveals that most influencers prioritise popularity, likes, shares, and views over accuracy. Shockingly, only four in 10 content creators consider a credible and accurate source. Many other creators lack basic legal knowledge about defamation, copyright, or even freedom of speech, making them blind to the potential repercussions of their actions.
For example, nearly half of the surveyed creators didn’t know the regulations governing their content. Sponsored posts are rarely disclosed, often influencing beliefs that leave audiences unaware of hidden agendas.

Virality: An Obsession

Social media isn’t just entertainment, it’s a primary source of news, education and daily tips for millions. When influencers spread misinformation, the ripple effect will be immediate. We can’t avoid it.
Take the earlier railway milk example. One viral video from Bharuch, Gujarat, led to physical assaults in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The video wasn’t verified; the victims were innocent vendors. Yet we didn’t think to ask questions. This is not the first incident, nor will it be the last. We must understand that this is a deeper problem and only our collective and blind trust in influencers is leading to what’s happening around our country or even in the world today.

Fact-Checking: The Missing Piece

Unesco’s findings push the urgent need for social media training for influencers. Fact-checking is not just an ethical responsibility but a necessity in today’s misinformative world. Creators must learn how to evaluate sources, verify claims, and collaborate with experts before posting.

How can we address the issue?

• Training on fact-checking, ethics, and media laws is essential.
• Platforms should enforce clear disclosures for sponsored content.
• Algorithms that flag misinformation and provide credible alternatives can help.
• Schools and workplaces must prioritise media literacy education. Yes, education must change, too. First of all, most of the history we learn in our classes is barely true, and even if it is, we won’t be taught the important chapters that happened.

Want Change? So, Be the Change You Want to See

After reading all this, it’s easy to blame influencers for the misinformation pandemic, but the solution must start with us. As viewers and consumers, we must question what we see online, fact-check before acting or sharing and hold those we follow accountable. Social media has incredible power; it can educate, inspire, and unite, but only if we use it responsibly.

Next time you scroll past a post claiming miracle cures or shocking revelations, ask yourself: Is this the truth, or just another viral myth? In a world of noise, let’s follow the silence of truth. Because if change doesn’t start with us, who will it start with?

Also Read: Reshma Kadvath: A Life Dedicated to Creation, Upcycling and Restoring!