[Official Clarification] Clarification on the rumors that circulated on Douyin the night of August 3rd.

In today’s information society, the rapid spread of online information, coupled with the rise of social media platforms, allows everyone to disseminate information. However, this also leads to a plethora of unverified false information spreading rampantly. A recent incident in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, serves as a classic example of this issue.

Incident Review

A video on TikTok showed a police action at the entrance of a KTV in Sihanoukville, claiming that police officers were arresting “all Chinese red-notice suspects.” However, after investigation and verification by the local police, the truth diverged significantly from the video’s description. The incident in question involved a group of Chinese nationals who, after celebrating a birthday at the KTV, got into an altercation while trying to hail a taxi due to their intoxicated state. This led to a fight, and the police intervened, detaining the parties involved temporarily under charges of “disturbing public order through group fighting” for further investigation. The event had no relation to the supposed “armed police arresting Chinese red-notice suspects”; it was merely a routine public order issue.

Social Dangers of False Information

First and foremost, the spread of false information misleads the public, causing unnecessary panic. Especially in cases involving sensitive keywords like “red notice,” it can provoke significant public concern and anxiety. Secondly, such information can negatively impact local public security, fostering unnecessary tension and unease, which disrupts social stability. Lastly, the spread of false information can harm the individuals involved, potentially leading to irreparable damage to their reputation and life.

Motives for Creating Fake News

The motivations behind the video’s creator could be primarily twofold. Firstly, to attract attention and gain traffic. In the social media age, traffic translates to revenue, and sensational headlines and content are most likely to attract clicks and attention. Secondly, some creators might have malicious intent, deliberately spreading false information to tarnish others’ reputations or create social chaos.

How to Deal with False Information

How should we correctly view and deal with such phenomena? Firstly, the public should remain vigilant and not blindly trust unverified information. Especially when it comes to sensitive events and figures, rationality and caution are essential. Secondly, social media platforms and relevant authorities should strengthen supervision, swiftly combating and clarifying false information. Finally, individuals should be cautious when disseminating information, avoiding the hasty release of unverified news that could lead to legal disputes or social issues.

In summary, in an era of information overload, the ability to discern the authenticity of information and avoid being misled by false information is a fundamental quality every netizen should possess. Only by doing so can we collectively maintain a healthy and truthful online environment.