Anything For Views! Father Daughter Marriage Viral Video Raises Questions

Viral Video: People are going to great lengths to create content in an attempt to gain fame and popularity, driven by the craze for social media. The most recent example of this trend is a video that was created solely for entertainment but went viral for wrong reasons, causing confusion and controversy online. The video, which is now misrepresented on social media, claims to depict a father allegedly marrying his daughter. Despite this, many social media users and media outlets are sharing the clip without verifying its accuracy, which adds to the mass misinformation.

The Origin of the Viral Video

Six months ago, the video was first posted on the "Ashwani Pandey" YouTube channel. Though meant to be entertaining it has subsequently been misinterpreted and turned into something more divisive. Despite being false, social media users and even some media places have spread the video, turning it into a narrative about a father marrying his daughter.

One such user on X (formerly Twitter) going by the name 'Tiger' shared the video with a misleading caption: "Pankaj Tiwari marries his daughter to Arpita Tiwari, father says he had no one, I had a daughter so I did not want to send her to another place, That's why I married my daughter to Arpit Tiwari." This post added fuel to the fire, spreading the false narrative even further.

Misinformation and Social Media Spin-offs

This is not an isolated instance. A growing number of social media users and content creators are creating videos in an attempt to get views and likes. In an effort to gain attention on social media, a newlywed couple posted a vlog of their suhagraat (first night after marriage) in a recent example that went viral. These strategies reveal the extent people would go to in order to become well-known online, as well as the growing problem of clickbait and false information.

How to Protect Yourself from Fake News

Since false information continues to spread at an alarming pace, it's critical to take precautions against fake news. The following tips will help you remain aware:

• Fact-check sources: Always verify the source of the information before believing or sharing it. Reputable news outlets and fact-checking websites can help confirm the accuracy of the content.
• Cross-check content: If something seems suspicious, check if multiple trustworthy sources are reporting it. Misinformation often circulates on social media but not on credible news platforms.
• Look out for manipulated videos: Be aware that video clips can be edited or taken out of context. Always search for the original video to see the full story before drawing conclusions.
• Use reliable fact-checking tools: Utilise established fact-checking sites to verify claims and assess the accuracy of the information.