War does not determine who is right, only who is left — Bertrand Russell
Harsha Mohan Sarma
(harshasarma183@gmail.com)
Wartime rumours not only confuse people but also make them doubtful. Instead of boosting morale, such rumours lower it and negatively affect the strategic planning of military forces. A rumour is like a spinning disc that, once set in motion, gathers speed with oil and grease in whoever’s hands it falls into. Often, it spirals out of control. That’s why many people refer to rumours as the “Devil’s Radio”. Its destructive power far exceeds its creative potential. Rumours create an atmosphere of distrust among people and are said to be more harmful than a sharp sword or a raging fire.
Napoleon Bonaparte, during wartime, gave no importance to enemy propaganda. Instead of wasting time in rejecting them, he focused on preparing military strategies and concentrating on victory. He believed that boosting or lowering the morale of his troops through rumours was unimportant. He remained focused and kept track of daily successes.
Similarly, during the Second World War, Winston Churchill paid little heed to rumours and instead emphasised calming his troops and focusing on strategic planning for victory. Chinese military general and philosopher Sun Tzu, in his book The Art of War, also mentions that rumour-mongering during war is natural, but directly supporting it is dangerous. It can adversely affect one’s own military strategies.
Wartime rumours don’t only distract the armed forces — they also instill fear, excitement, and anxiety in common people, disrupting their daily lives. While positive rumours about one’s own country may boost morale, negative ones can break spirits and cause immense psychological stress. People begin to suffer internally. The fear of insecurity disrupts sleep and turns life miserable, especially for those suffering from heart disease and high blood pressure — rumours can even be life-threatening for them.
If responsible authorities fail to clearly refute false information, it may result in a loss of public trust in the government. Rumours may also provoke conflict between groups within a country. They can lead to social instability and even severely harm the economy. They can create economic barriers; when shops close due to panic, the common people face food shortages.
Taking advantage of the situation, unscrupulous traders may drastically hike prices. Fearing shortages, people start hoarding food items according to their means — a situation exploited by opportunistic businesses. The poor, more than the rich, suffer the most from the consequences of rumours.
In today’s age of information technology, rumours spread not like wildfire but like “net-fire” — swiftly reaching millions within seconds. Wartime rumours are often speculative. In earlier times, when modern weapons and explosives were less common, some journalists risked their lives to report directly from the battlefield. Journalism then was more honest, and there was a genuine effort to inform people with accurate news.
However, today, in times of high-tech warfare, very few journalists dare to provide ground reports. Most news relies on local sources. Even locals now often deliver biased statements that could demoralise their own people. Most provide views favouring their own side. As a result, due to the lack of first-hand accounts and the dependency on second-hand information, much of what is shared as news often turns out to be rumours. Social media amplifies this instantly.
During wartime, people are already gripped by fear and uncertainty. The desire to say “something” about the war adds fuel to the spread of rumours. In today’s changed scenario, rumours have even become political agendas. In some cases, they have become a protective shield for ruling governments.
Even during the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, numerous rumours were rapidly spread through various media channels. Instead of relying on official statements, several news outlets pushed their own narratives. Eventually, the Government of India clarified the truth of these rumours through the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Still, the aftermath may result in a loss of trust in electronic and print media.
Those media houses that irresponsibly disseminated such rumours during such a sensitive time may face consequences. However, if they correct their ways and start presenting truthful information from credible sources, they may regain the lost trust.
When spreading rumours, it is crucial to consider the psychological impact on people. Every action and reaction should be evaluated to deliver responsible communication. One must remember that the impression of wartime rumours can leave a lasting mark on a person’s heart. And even if these outlets share genuine news later, they may no longer be trusted.
In the current context, it is true that rumours about the destruction of enemies during war may provide temporary encouragement and can, to some extent, boost troop morale. Even a single word about the enemy’s weakness strengthens our resolve. If a war is decisive and ends in our victory, people tend to give credit to the influence of those rumours.
However, if the war ends without a clear outcome, the negative effects of rumours can break people’s spirits — even bringing shame later. Post-war rumour propagation continues to damage people’s mental health, but the spreaders often ignore this.
If the individuals and organisations responsible for spreading rumours were to show some accountability and take care of the psychological well-being of the people traumatised during war, every nation could develop into a dignified and civilised society. By focusing on the mental health of war-affected citizens, countries could ensure a stronger and healthier future generation. As it says, “People will question all the good things they hear about you but believe all the bad without a second thought.”