A few weeks ago, a broadcast message was shared via a popular messaging app warning people about the effect of a widely used over-the-counter pain medication. The message included a very graphic video depicting the supposed effects of the medication. This information was false, but it ended up having a very negative impact on the brand and caused widespread panic.
Misinformation continues to have a growing impact on our lives and communities today. Before the advent of smartphones, fake news was propagated through word of mouth, newspapers, broadcast media, and so on. It was easier to tackle because of its limited reach. Unfortunately, with 60% smartphone penetration in Nigeria, the spread of fake news is now at its highest due to the adoption of instant messaging and social media apps.
In Nigeria, the provisions of Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act of 2015 criminalize the act of sharing fake news, and any person found guilty of this act is liable for at least a three-year imprisonment term. So, before you share that news, here is our checklist on how to identify fake news.
The Source: The first thing you need to ask is, what is the source of this news? A lot of messages get passed around via social media and instant messaging platforms, but what is the source of this news? If the news can’t be traced to a platform known for its integrity, then you may have consumed fake news. Watching Arise TV, Channels TV, TVC News, CNN, BBC, and similar channels available on GOtv is one way to ensure that you are getting authentic and accurate information.
The Headline: If the headline is just too sensational, then there is a high possibility that it’s fake news. Some news outlets are known to use provocative headlines to grab readers’ attention. While it is okay to be reasonably sensational, be very cautious of headlines that seem too good to be true, whether positively or negatively.
The Content: Don’t just stop at the headline. Read the content of the story. As mentioned above, some headlines are drafted to mislead the reader.
Presence of Supporting Evidence: Fake news creators often don’t provide supporting evidence for their claims. It is important to verify the facts contained within the story before sharing.
It is also advisable to check other sources, such as credible media outlets or fact-checking websites. If the story or headline is only being reported by one source, it’s advisable to second-guess its authenticity. Lastly, depend only on trusted sources for your daily news.
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