IMPACTS OF FALSE INFORMATION SHARING ON THE CREDIBILITY OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

Abstract

Social media platforms are interactive digital spaces that enable users to create, share, and exchange content, facilitating social networking and the dissemination of ideas. However, these platforms can also serve as conduits for false information, Misinformation: False or inaccurate information shared without harmful intent. Disinformation: Deliberately deceptive information intended to mislead. ​Malinformation: Factual information presented out of context to cause harm. ​  The proliferation of false information on social media poses significant challenges, as it can mislead consumers by mimicking credible sources or using deceptive URLs. To combat this issue, it is essential to assess and enhance individuals' understanding of false information, particularly among students. Educational initiatives focusing on media literacy can empower users to critically evaluate content, recognize misleading information, and reduce the spread of falsehoods online. The researchers investigated the challenges faced by Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students in recognizing false information on social media platforms. They employed a descriptive correlational research design to assess the relationship between the dissemination of false information and the perceived credibility of social media among these students. Utilizing convenience sampling, 50 Grade 12 students who primarily rely on social media for information were surveyed. The findings indicate that 50% of surveyed Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students struggle to distinguish false information on social media platforms. While these students exhibit competence in discerning information on platforms like Facebook and YouTube, they tend to trust content on Twitter and TikTok without verifying its sources. Additionally, there is a notable trend of students placing greater trust in social media influencers over traditional journalists. The study emphasizes the need to enhance students' abilities to critically assess information encountered on social media platforms. To address this, researchers developed a pamphlet offering guidance on effective information handling, including fact-checking strategies using reliable resources, to help students identify and combat false information online.