The memories of 2014 still linger as a stark reminder of the devastating power of misinformation. Who can forget the chaos that erupted when the Ebola pandemic swept through West Africa, leaving a trail of fear and confusion in its wake? As the virus ravaged communities, a bizarre remedy began to circulate on social media and by word of mouth: drinking and bathing with salt water could cure or prevent Ebola. At the time, many people were desperate for a solution, and this unproven remedy spread quickly despite seeming ridiculous in hindsight. I, too, was a victim of this misinformation, and I remember the sense of panic and uncertainty as I considered trying this unproven remedy.
But as we now know, this “cure” was nothing more than a myth, and it ultimately led to a lot of people falling sick and, tragically, some losing their lives. The saltwater debacle was a stark illustration of how quickly misinformation can spread and how vulnerable we can be to fake news, especially in times of crisis. For instance, a reported incident by the Daily Post where two people died and 20 were hospitalised after consuming excess salt to prevent Ebola infection highlights the dangers of misinformation.
Similarly, in the rumour that spread like wildfire in 2022 about President Muhammadu Buhari being cloned by one Jibrilu from Sudan, some people were said to have allegedly believed the rumour. Then, think about the forwarded messages sent to our mothers’ WhatsApp “platforms”, which they automatically believed and shared with us. One way or the other, we are constantly exposed to misinformation, in layman’s terms, fake news, which can impact our decisions, actions, and even our inactions.
As we reflect on this dark chapter, it’s clear that the lessons of 2014 and 2022 are still relevant today. Silas Jonathan, a misinformation expert suggests that the fight against misinformation is an ongoing battle that requires our collective vigilance and critical thinking. Adding that we often listen, read, and digest news and content the way we see it, but the ability to separate fake news from real news is an essential skill we all need. This skill is crucial in today’s information age, where misinformation can spread quickly and have serious consequences.
The issue of information disorder has become a major concern in Nigeria, with the country’s citizens being increasingly vulnerable to false information online and offline. Disinformation can have serious consequences, ranging from causing panic and confusion to influencing election outcomes, and individual health. A typological analysis by DUBAWA, a West African fact-checking platform, reveals the extensive prevalence of mis/disinformation during the 2023 Nigerian elections. A total of 127 claims fact-checked by the Nigerian Fact-checkers’ Coalition (NFC) during the general election on February 23, 2023, and the subsequent State election on March 18, 2023, formed the data for the analysis.
What causes the ‘Information disorder pandemic’?
The answer is complex and multifaceted. Some possible causes of fake news include social media, lack of media literacy, desire for sensationalism, political or ideological agendas, lack of fact-checking, confirmation bias, economic motivations, and psychological factors. However, one thing is certain: misinformation threatens democracy, health, and well-being.
A research article by Dr. Samuel Ogbette and other scholars, published in 2019 cited that the spread of fake news on the internet is caused by two main factors: the internet’s constant connectivity and the desire to be first with the news. Online news providers are vying to get more visitors and make more money from ads, which can cause them to focus on being first and popular rather than being accurate and truthful. As a result, news sites feel pressured to publish quickly or risk being left behind. Consequently, this rush to publish can result in errors and the dissemination of false information, ultimately causing harm to individuals and society as a whole.
Stay Informed, Not Misinformed: Top Tips and Tools to Outsmart Fake News.
- Verify information: Before sharing or believing any news, take a moment to verify its accuracy. Check reputable sources such as established news organisations to see if they report the same information. When evaluating a news story, it’s essential to consult multiple sources that report on the same event or issue. If several credible sources are reporting the same story, it’s more likely to be true, as this corroborating evidence lends credibility to the report. Also, use these tools and resources to verify news:
- Use fact-checking websites: Utilise fact-checking websites, such as DUBAWA, African check, Factcheck.org and other credible fact-checking websites to verify the accuracy of information. These independent fact-checking websites are committed to uncovering the truth and setting the record straight, providing a valuable service in verifying the accuracy of news stories and exposing false or misleading information.
- Chatbot: want to fact-check in a flash? Try the DUBAWA chatbot! In just a few seconds, the DUBAWA chatbot can help you verify the accuracy of news and provide trustworthy information on any topic you’re interested in. Simply ask the chatbot a question, and it will instantly provide you with the facts, along with links to credible websites and fact-checking organisations that have already vetted the information. Whether you’re in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, or beyond, this powerful tool is at your fingertips, helping to protect you from the spread of misinformation and keeping you informed about the truth.
- Be cautious of sensational headlines: If a headline seems too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is. Be wary of headlines that are designed to grab attention rather than inform. So, It’s important to read beyond the headline and evaluate the entire article before forming an opinion or making a decision based on the information. This helps to separate fact from fiction and ensures you’re not basing your judgment on sensationalised or misleading information.
- Check the source: Consider the source of the information. Is it a reputable organisation or a trustworthy individual? Or is it an unknown or unverified source?
