On 7 March, a Facebook post warning of a child kidnapping in Xiengngern district, Luang Prabang, spread like wildfire, accumulating over 18,000 shares in just two days. The post caused a quick spread of fear among the community until local authorities stepped in to debunk the claim as fake news on 9 March.
This incident is just one of many in Laos, where social media—particularly Facebook—has become the primary source of news. But alongside legitimate reports, misinformation spreads just as fast, sometimes causing confusion, fear, and even public disorder.
Misinformation in Laos and across the region often comes in many forms: false weather reports, scams, and even fake social media accounts soliciting donations, with some cases resulting in serious societal disruption.
In February, a Facebook group named “Lao News” falsely reported the death of former President Khamtay Siphandone, complete with a fabricated condolence message to his family. The false report triggered widespread confusion until state media intervened to clarify that the former leader was still alive.
Similarly, on 27 February, a WhatsApp voice message claimed a white van had abducted a child in Dondu village, Hadxayfong district, Vientiane Capital. The story spread quickly, with concerned residents sharing the warning. However, an investigation later revealed that the claim was entirely false.
The child’s grandfather, Thongsouk, then admitted to creating the message himself, urging social media users to stop spreading unverified claims.
Why Do People Believe Fake News
Misinformation is not a new phenomenon, but social media amplifies its reach. According to research by Catherine Beauvais from Hôpital Saint-Antoine, several psychological factors make people susceptible to fake news.
One of the biggest reasons is “confirmation bias”—people are more likely to believe information that aligns with their existing beliefs.
But fake news doesn’t just mislead individuals. When misinformation spreads unchecked, it becomes harder to distinguish between credible sources and unreliable ones, making it more difficult for the public to stay informed.
For those who create or share fake news, there are also risks. Many countries have begun implementing stricter penalties for spreading misinformation, and repeated engagement with fake news can damage a person’s credibility online.
Think Twice, Share Smart
Combating misinformation starts with vigilance. Before sharing any news, it’s crucial to verify the source—reputable news outlets and official pages are far more reliable than anonymous Facebook posts or dubious websites with unusual URLs.
Checking the author’s credentials can also help; credible journalists and experts are more likely to provide accurate information, while the absence of an author’s name may signal a red flag.
Examining the content itself is equally important—articles riddled with spelling errors, exaggerated emotional language, or a lack of supporting evidence often indicate unreliable reporting.
Lastly, cross-referencing with multiple trusted sources can help determine whether a claim holds weight. If a major event is only being reported by one obscure page, chances are it’s fake news.