Thoothukudi MP and DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on Wednesday (May 20) said rational thinking was essential in an era of misinformation spread through social media and Artificial Intelligence platforms.

Speaking at a self-respect wedding at Madhampatti near Perur in Coimbatore, she said people should not accept information blindly merely because it appears online and stressed the need to question and verify information before believing it.

Referring to the ideals of E.V. Ramasamy and the Dravidian movement, Ms. Kanimozhi said social reforms had enabled women and oppressed communities to access education and pursue independent careers. Citing the bride’s preparation for the UPSC examination, she said such opportunities were made possible through decades of social justice movements.

She cautioned against misleading information circulated online, including claims related to history, health and lifestyle, and said people must examine the credibility of those sharing such content.

Referring to electoral defeats, she said democratic verdicts must be accepted respectfully. Recalling former Chief Minister C. N. Annadurai after an election loss, she said he had gone to watch a film instead of worrying about the result.

Ms. Kanimozhi said the DMK would continue to stand with the people and urged the younger generation to uphold rational thought, gender equality and social justice.

Coimbatore North district secretary Thondamuthur Ravi, city district secretary Durai Senthamizh Selvan, Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam general secretary Ku. Ramakrishnan and others participated in the event.