Abstract:
This study examined the incidence of Fake News in Nigeria
through focus group discussion with 25 participants. It was
established that although fake news has been around from time
immemorial, discussants did not consider it infodemic in the
country. The study established the prevalence of fake news in
Nigeria. Interestingly, it noted that infodemic is still a new
lexicon in Nigeria as many of the discussants, who have at least
first degree certificate in different fields of endeavour, heard of
the word for the first time during the discussion. The study
established that the negative impact of fake news on the
Nigerian society is limited, in accordance with Mass Media
Limited Effect Theory and research on Uses and Gratification
Theory that established that media consumers are able to
discriminate in media consumption. It also established that
average people are gullible victims of the fake news but also
that fake news other consumers seek out information that aligns
with their beliefs to fulfill information needs. This conclusion
is based on qualitative information obtained from participants
which align with the fact that although man is a rational being
who is critical in the choice of content to consume that gratifies
a need and so will readily dispense media content (Fake News) that offers no reward, and can also be influenced to an extent
but it in a limited way.
