Page 50 - JDPA Volume 02, Issue 02

Journal of Defence & Policy Analysis Volume 02, Issue 02, December 2023

COVID - infodemic

Many mothers traditionally advised against providing mobile phones to their
children. However, the dynamics shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic as a
surge in phone and smart device acquisitions transpired for educational and oc-
cupational purposes. Consequently, a discernible trend emerged where the youth
gained access to mobile phones, showcasing a pronounced digital literacy sur-
passing that of their elders, particularly in Sri Lanka. During this period, the elders
faced challenges in comprehending and regulating the activities of the younger
generation on these devices. Notably, as the world approaches the election year
of 2024, encompassing 50 nations and an estimated 2 billion voters globally, con-
cerns escalate regarding the potential exacerbation of disinformation. This phe-
nomenon transcends national boundaries, warranting a collective recognition of
the escalating challenge that disinformation poses on a global scale.

Disinformation and psychology

Disinformation is not solely mitigated by technology education. While technol-
ogy education is vital in combating disinformation, it is not a complete solution.
Other factors, such as critical thinking and psychological resilience, play crucial
roles in addressing the spread of false information.

There exists a significant psychological aspect to address. The psychological as-
pect of disinformation involves understanding how people process and react to
information. Cognitive biases and emotional triggers can significantly influence
the acceptance and dissemination of false narratives.

Observing public spaces reveals a transition from interpersonal communication
to mobile phone absorption. In public spaces, a noticeable shift has occurred from
face-to-face interactions to individuals being engrossed in their mobile devices.
This transition reflects changes in social behaviour and communication patterns.

People are more engrossed in their devices than engaging in face-to-face conver-
sations. The pervasive use of smartphones and other digital devices has led to a
decline in direct, personal conversations. People often prefer to engage with their
screens, even in social settings.

Modern habits prioritize scrolling through information rather than engaging in
in-depth reading. Today’s digital habits favour quick, superficial browsing over
deep, thoughtful reading. This trend impacts how information is consumed and
understood, often at the expense of comprehensive knowledge.

Screen thumbnails play a crucial role in capturing attention. Thumbnails on dig-
ital screens are designed to grab attention quickly. These small images or pre-
views influence what content users choose to engage with, often based on imme

Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
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