Causality and the Spread of Misinformation: Theravāda Buddhist Philosophical Perspective in the Digital Age

Abstract

This article aims to study the causality or dependent origination in Theravāda Buddhist philosophy and the spread of fake information in the digital age. The study found that fake information does not happen by chance but is the result of complex causal factors. When considering through the framework of Buddhist philosophy, the important foundation is ignorance, which is the starting point of the cycle of rebirth in the principle of dependent origination. Fake information spreads quickly in the digital age because people tend to believe information consistent with their own opinions and emotions more than using reason, which Buddhist philosophy calls Upadana, which is clinging to information. In addition, intention, which is the core of karma in Buddhist philosophy, is also the driving force for the meaningful sharing of information. Sometimes, the creator does not have malicious intentions, but acting without mindfulness and wisdom can lead to mistakes. Therefore, this article proposes a solution to the problem by using the Threefold Training as a guideline for self-development for consumers and producers of information. If they train themselves until they have the right view, media users will be able to build information immunity, have correct perception, and not easily fall victim to fake information. This study reveals new knowledge in five areas: 1) expanding the scope of application of Paticcasamuppada to the digital world, 2) the concept of ignorance in the digital age, 3) proposing intellectual immunity in the form of Buddhist philosophy, 4) defining intention as a tool for analyzing digital ethics, and 5) proactive dissemination of Dharma in the digital world.