“Rationalism Is the Answer to Social Media Misinformation” – DMK MP Kanimozhi in Coimbatore

DMK Deputy General Secretary and Member of Parliament Kanimozhi, while addressing a self-respect marriage ceremony in Coimbatore, underscored the growing importance of rational thinking in an era increasingly influenced by social media narratives and digital misinformation.


Coimbatore: Congratulating the newlyweds at a wedding function held in Coimbatore’s Perur area, DMK Deputy General Secretary and Member of Parliament Kanimozhi remarked that the couple reflected the social transformation achieved through decades of reformist movements spearheaded by Periyar and Dravidian ideologues.

Referring to the bride, who is preparing for the UPSC examinations, Kanimozhi observed that such educational and professional aspirations for women would have been unimaginable several decades ago, when women and socially oppressed communities were systematically denied access to education and opportunities.

She credited Periyar and the Dravidian movement for dismantling entrenched caste and gender barriers while fostering a culture of independent thought and social awareness.

Emphasising the significance of rationalism in the digital age, Kanimozhi said people today are constantly exposed to information through Instagram, WhatsApp, social media platforms and even artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT. She cautioned the public against accepting online content at face value.

“Information reaches us instantly through social media today. But before believing or sharing anything, one must think rationally and examine the source, credibility and intent behind the information,” she said.

Kanimozhi further noted that even widely used digital platforms and AI-driven tools are capable of generating inaccurate or misleading responses, making critical thinking and discernment more essential than ever.

She also criticised the spread of distorted narratives on social media, particularly with regard to women’s representation in politics and governance. Pointing to Tamil Nadu’s political history, she said women had held ministerial positions in the State even before Independence and continued to do so under successive Dravidian governments, contrary to certain claims being circulated online.

Making an indirect reference to the DMK alliance’s recent electoral setback, Kanimozhi said electoral outcomes reflected the democratic will of the people and should be accepted with humility. Drawing a comparison with former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, she remarked that political setbacks should never weaken ideological conviction or commitment to public service.

Concluding her address, Kanimozhi urged the younger generation to uphold the values of equality, rationalism and social justice while striving to build a progressive society rooted in language, culture and human dignity.

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