Lessons 21 · 1 lessons · Z. Islomov, D. Rahimjonov, J. Najmiddinov, N. Ismatova. History of world religions, Grade 11, 1st edition. Yangiyul Poligraph Service, Tashkent, 2018
21
Information networks, the internet and religion
Textbook: pp. 96–99
GoalGive neutral information on information, information warfare and destructive ideas spread through virtual messengers; apply skills of checking information critically; describe the rules regulating the distribution of religious materials in Uzbekistan.
New words
information · axborotinformation warfare · axborotlar urushireligious-studies expert examination · dinshunoslik ekspertizasidigital literacy · raqamli savodxonlik
Explanation
Information is the totality of signals and data a person receives; the internet and messengers spread it very fast and across borders. The textbook defines “information warfare” as an attempt to gain political or economic advantage by using information media for ulterior ends and influencing the public mind; it says the term was used by the physicist Thomas Rona in 1976. According to the textbook, some extremist groups use the internet and messengers for propaganda and to attract new supporters; a short factual note is enough here: such propaganda usually shows features like separating a person from close ones, creating a simple “enemy” image, pressing for haste and urging secrecy, and knowing them is a means of protection. In Uzbekistan the preparation, import and distribution of religious materials is tied to a procedure of state religious-studies expert examination: at first it was set out in regulations approved by a Cabinet of Ministers decision of 20 January 2014, and the current procedure rests on the Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organisations (2021 edition) and related documents. Practical conclusion: when assessing information check who the source is, the author’s aim, confirmation by other independent sources, and the date of the news; it is advised not to multiply dubious videos and messages and to report an unreliable message to a parent, teacher or the responsible body.
Worked examples
A checking method (“lateral reading”): if a suspicious message appears, stop reading on that site and look in 2–3 other independent sources for the report and for information on the author.
A real-life story in the textbook tells of a man who, abroad, got to know unfamiliar groups online and later realised too late that the information they spread was false and destructive; the case shows why critical checking is needed.
Class activity
Practical exercise: choose one news headline from social media (not a religious one, for example about weather or sport) and complete a table of checking the source, author, date and a second confirming source.
Practice
1
What is “information warfare” and who used the term (according to the textbook)?
An attempt to gain advantage by using information media for ulterior ends and influencing the public mind; the term was used by Thomas Rona in 1976.
2
Name two signs that help to recognise propaganda.
For example urging a person to separate from close ones, creating a simple “enemy” image, pressing for haste or demanding secrecy.
3
Why are religious materials examined in Uzbekistan?
Because under the law the aim is to prevent violations and content that harms public security in their preparation, import and distribution; the examination is carried out by a state religious-studies body.
4
Why can multiplying (forwarding) an unreliable video be dangerous?
Because false or destructive content spreads fast, affects recipients’ minds, and the sender may also become responsible for it.