ABSTRACT
This study examined the impact of social media in the fight against misinformation on coronavirus pandemic. In the past 5 years, there has been a phenomenal increase in the use of social media for health information communication, despite this, not much study has looked at the type of coronavirus pandemic information shared on social media platform. The study therefore assessed the nature of coronavirus pandemic information shared on social media sites by undergraduate students in southwestern Nigeria. Structured questionnaire copies were administered to 355 undergraduate students in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Lagos (Unilag) and University of Ibadan (UI). Data gathered from the administered questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result showed that 71.3% of the students across the selected universities were aware of social media and made used of it. Facebook was the most favourite social media platform followed by Instagram and WhatsApp, while Kinschat, LinkedIn, Skype and BBM were least preferred social media sites. Independent samples test result showed there was no significant gender difference in the preference of social media sites (t = 1.039, p>0.05). The result showed that 81.4% of the students had come across coronavirus pandemic information on social media, while only 24.8% had shared coronavirus pandemic information on social media. Prevention methods and general coronavirus pandemic knowledge were the main types of information shared. ANOVA result further revealed significant variation in the type of coronavirus pandemic information shared on social media among the three universities (F = 5.177; p<0.05). The Post Hoc Test of multiple comparison indicated that type of coronavirus pandemic information shared in UI differed significantly from those shared in OAU and UNILAG respectively.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Significance of Study
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Impact of Fake News on Public Health
2.2 Spreading Fake News on Health in Social Media
2.3. Identification of Social Media Interactions as Key to Spreading or Combating Health-Related Fake News
2.4. Combating Fake News on Social Media
2.5 Overview of Coronavirus
2.6 The virus, its origins and evolution
2.7 Epidemiology
2.8 Etiology
2.9 Signs and symptoms
CHAPTER THREE
MATERIALS AND METHOD
3.1 Research design
3.2 Sources of Data
3.3 Sampling technique and procedure
3.4 Data collection and analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
REFERENCES
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The wave of coronavirus (COVID-19)-related content has become a high-stakes test for social media platforms’ abilities to fight misinformation. False recommendations about how to avoid contracting the virus or what measures infected people should take to avoid spreading it have the potential to cause more sickness and death from a pandemic that has already taken thousands of lives worldwide WHO(2020).
According to data from social media analytics platform Sprinklr (2020), there were more than 19 million mentions related to COVID-19 across social media, blogs and online news sites worldwide on March 11. For context, mentions of US President Donald Trump on the same day came in at roughly 4 million. Many of the COVID-19 mentions likely came from legitimate sources, but given the novelty of the disease and the fast-changing nature of related news, it’s safe to assume that a large portion was inaccurate or outdated.
The current battle against misinformation on most social media platforms is primarily concentrated on so-called “bad actors” that deliberately spread lies and misleading information, sometimes for political gain. Facebook, for example, uses an automated system to serve potentially inaccurate content to third-party fact-checkers who then identify, review and rate inaccurate stories so that their distribution can be reduced. It’s a resource-heavy and time-consuming process, and questions about its effectiveness were raised before the coronavirus conversation exploded on social media.
Schultze (2009), emphasized social media as the collection of tools and Online space ,available to help individual and business to accelerate their Information and Communications needs.Platforms like Twitter and Facebook were also among the earliest sources of accurate COVID-19 information. But since average citizens, celebrities, politicians and others use social platforms to share their coronavirus experiences, air grievances and simply kill time while self-isolating, important health and safety information easily gets drowned out. Many users may be well-meaning but uninformed, and they could be unintentionally spreading inaccurate information.
As a result, social media platforms have taken unprecedented steps to stop the spread of coronavirus-related misinformation. Facebook has provided the World Health Organization (WHO) with as many free ads as they need and blocked ads from brands that may be exploiting the situation by claiming that their products can cure the virus, for example. That’s in addition to increased fact-checking and a pop-up that directs users who search for coronavirus directly to the WHO’s website or a local health authority. Twitter also directs users to local health authorities’ sites like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US.
The major social platforms; Facebook, LinkedIn, reddit, Twitter and YouTube along with Google and Microsoft, issued a joint statement announcing that they had banded together to fight COVID-19-related misinformation. We are helping millions of people stay connected while also jointly combating fraud and misinformation about the virus, elevating authoritative content on our platforms and sharing critical updates in coordination with government healthcare agencies around the world.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The social media exist to service the information needs of the society. but at the same time, the noted problem is that most Information’s are not from a reliable source, or is not credible. Inline with the social responsibility role of the press. Onabajo (2002) argued that most discussions we hold today originate their topics from broadcast media. Most social media subscribers neglect stories happening in the country and are more concerned with entertainment, this has made cultural imperialism affect the Nation as the use of smart phone affect the perception on the way, we think act and Behave in our respective lifestyle in Nigeria.
Indicating that many people , read and watch news they do not trust. Because News Information, is gotten from mistrust Individuals, due to that fact anyone, can disseminate news Information, at any point In time. Since reported levels of trust in media, are relatively low it is obvious that some people will watch news they say they do not trust while trying to filter out information,therefore they are considered biased or untrustworthy.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objectives of the study is to investigate the impact of social media in the fight against misinformation on coronavirus pandamic. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To examine the major social media platforms used to curb the spread of fake information of COVID19.
- To analyse the different misinformation on COVID19 spread in the internet.
- To recommend the best way to stop the spread of fake information on covid19.
- To examine the public perception of social media contribution in the fight against fake information on covid19 in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
- What are the major social media platforms used to curb the spread of fake information of COVID19?
- What are the different misinformation on COVID19 spread in the internet?
- What are the best way to stop the spread of fake information on covid19?
- What is the public perception of social media contribution in the fight against fake information on covid19 in Nigeria?
1.5 Significance of Study
The study is of immense benefit in regulating, the use of social Media and the Mode of new Age communication, in regularizing the use of social media and its effect on the Masses.
Theoretically, this study stands to provide additional knowledge to the body of existing literature on the spread this pandemic disease to the world and of particular reference to Nigeria. The result of this study will serve as good base or guide for future reference and it will also encourage further research on the importance of staying healthy. Furthermore, this study will provide relevant information on the reasons for the spread of this disease from China to the rest of the world.
This study will also be of benefit to researchers, academics and scholars in carrying out research and academic works related to this study.