Liking and Sharing False or Distorted Information: A Consideration of the Five Precepts on Abstaining from Lying (Musāvāda)

Abstract

The proliferation of false and distorted information in online society raises the ethical issue of whether “liking” and “sharing” such information constitutes a violation of the Fourth Precept (Musāvāda) in Theravāda Buddhism. This documentary research aimed to study the principle of Musāvāda, synthesize the behavior of disseminating false information with the act of Musāvāda, and analyze the liking and sharing of false information within the framework of the Fourth Precept, using data from the Tipiṭakas, Commentaries, and related research.

The research finding indicated that Musāvādā Veramaṇī refers to the intention to refrain from false communication that aims to distort the truth through body, speech, and actions related to body and speech, whether done personally or by instructing or encouraging others to do so. The behavior of creating, sharing, and liking false information on social media can be synthesized with the act of “direct false speech” (Musā) of the type “lie or falsehoods.” However, such actions will be considered a complete violation of the precept only when there is an intention to deceive, which must include four elements: (1) the content is false, (2) there is an intention to distort, (3) there is an attempt to communicate, and (4) others perceive and understand that information.  If there is no intention, even if the act occurs, it is not considered a violation of the precept. However, if there is intention, even if other elements are missing, the precept is not broken, but it can tarnish it or be sinful (Pāpa).

Therefore, this study emphasized the importance of mindfulness and discernment in verifying information prior to dissemination, which is a crucial mechanism for maintaining the precepts and virtue of social media users according to Theravāda Buddhist principles.