IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE FIGHT AGAINST MISINFORMATION ON CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
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IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE FIGHT AGAINST MISINFORMATION ON CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background for the Study
The flood of COVID-19-related content has created a high-stakes test for social media networks’ ability to combat misinformation. False instructions about how to avoid getting the virus or what precautions infected persons should take to prevent it from spreading have the potential to exacerbate a pandemic that has already claimed thousands of lives globally (WHO 2020).
According to Sprinklr (2020), there were over 19 million mentions of COVID-19 on social media, blogs, and online news sites around the world on March 11. For reference, mentions of US President Donald Trump on the same day totaled over 4 million.
Many of the COVID-19 mentions were likely from credible sources, but given the disease’s novelty and the rapid pace of related news, it’s plausible to conclude that a considerable majority were incorrect or obsolete.
The present struggle against misinformation on most social media platforms is mostly focused on so-called “bad actors” who intentionally propagate false and misleading information, often for political advantage.
Facebook, for example, employs an automated mechanism to deliver potentially false content to third-party fact-checkers, who then detect, review, and grade inaccurate stories to minimise their circulation. It’s a resource-intensive and time-consuming process, and concerns about its effectiveness arose before the coronavirus debate erupted on social media.
Schultze (2009) defined social media as a set of tools and online space that individuals and businesses can use to accelerate their information and communication needs.Twitter and Facebook were among the first to provide accurate COVID-19 information.
However, because ordinary folks, celebrities, politicians, and others use social media to discuss their coronavirus experiences, voice grievances, and simply pass the time while self-isolating
vital health and safety information is easily drowned out. Many people may be well-intentioned yet misinformed, and they may be unknowingly sharing incorrect information.
As a result, social media sites have taken unprecedented measures to combat the spread of coronavirus misinformation. Facebook has supplied the World Health Organisation (WHO) with as many free advertising as they require while blocking ads from firms that may be milking the situation by saying that their products will treat the virus, for example.
In addition to increased fact-checking, users who search for coronavirus will see a pop-up that refers them to the WHO’s website or a local health authority. Twitter also connects users to local health authority websites, such as the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States.
The major social sites, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Reddit, Twitter, and YouTube, as well as Google and Microsoft, published a unified statement declaring their collaboration to combat COVID-19 misinformation.
We are assisting millions of people in staying connected while simultaneously fighting fraud and disinformation about the virus, elevating authoritative content on our platforms, and releasing crucial updates in collaboration with government healthcare authorities throughout the world.
1.2 Statement of Problem
Social media exists to meet the information demands of society. However, the major difficulty is that most information is not dependable or genuine. This is consistent with the press’s social responsibility duty.
According to Onabajo (2002), the majority of current discussions are based on broadcast media content. Most social media users ignore things happening in the country and are more concerned with entertainment.
This has resulted in cultural imperialism affecting the nation, as the usage of smart phones influences how we think, act, and behave in our individual lifestyles in Nigeria.
This indicates that many people read and watch news that they do not believe. Because news information is obtained from untrustworthy individuals, anyone can broadcast it at any time.
Because reported levels of trust in the media are generally low, it is evident that some people would watch news they claim they do not trust while attempting to filter out information, resulting in them being labelled biassed or untrustworthy.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The study’s major goal is to evaluate the role of social media in combating disinformation about coronavirus pandamic. The specific aims of the study are:
i. Investigate the primary social media channels utilised to combat the transmission of false information about COVID 19.
ii. Examine the various forms of misinformation about COVID-19 that have proliferated on the internet.
iii. To recommend the best strategy to prevent the dissemination of false information about COVID-19.
iv. Investigate the public view of social media’s role in the fight against fake information about covid19 in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions.
i. What are the main social media channels used to combat the transmission of fraudulent COVID-19 information?
ii. What kind of misconceptions about COVID-19 are being shared on the internet?
iii. What is the best strategy to prevent the distribution of fake information about COVID-19?
iv. What is the public’s assessment of social media’s role in combating fake information about Covid-19 in Nigeria?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The study will be extremely beneficial in regulating the use of social media and the mode of new age communication, as well as in standardising the usage of social media and its impact on the masses.
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