Ludhiana MP Sanjeev Arora has urged swift action against the spread of superstitious beliefs on social media, in letters addressed to Home Minister Amit Shah and Electronics & IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Expressing his concern over the rising promotion of superstition on these platforms, Arora emphasized that the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through claims of magical powers is a serious issue. He noted that such content undermines rational and scientific thinking, as outlined in the directive principles of state policy.
Citing alarming data, Arora pointed out that the Cyber Crime Division reported a 35% increase in social media fraud cases from 2021 to 2023, many involving fake claims of supernatural powers and miraculous cures. He also referenced a World Health Organization (WHO) report warning that such misinformation poses a public health risk, contributing to declining vaccination rates and a rise in preventable diseases. According to a 2023 Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study, misinformation contributed to a 20% increase in cases of vaccine-preventable diseases in India. Arora also highlighted financial exploitation, noting that in 2023 alone, over Rs 60 crore was lost due to fraudulent schemes promising financial gain through supernatural means, as documented by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
Additionally, he cited a National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) report indicating a 25% rise in anxiety and stress cases linked to exposure to superstitious frauds. Arora further shared that a 2023 Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) survey found that over 70% of social media users in India encountered misleading or fraudulent content, yet enforcement remains weak.Arora proposed several solutions, including stricter regulations for social media platforms, nationwide public awareness campaigns, and stronger legal provisions to penalize those spreading fraudulent superstitious content. He also called for counseling services and helplines for victims of such exploitation.He concluded by expressing confidence that, with collaboration from the ministries and stakeholders, steps would be taken to curtail the spread of superstitions and ensure social media becomes a platform for constructive communication.
