Combating Fake News: How Increased Media Competences Can Curb Disinformation Trends in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined how Nigerians understood fake news. It took a qualitative approach, conducting in-depth interviews with 30 journalists to determine their understanding of fake news and explore how media literacy can help combat fake news. The sample was purportedly drawn from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to ensure representativeness. Gatekeeping Theory and Public Sphere Theory were used to better understand how journalists use their professional role of vetting information and releasing only credible information to the public. The analyzed data show that social networks facilitate the spread of false news more than mainstream media. The findings also show that fake news spreads due to factors such as time constraints, clickbait, user-generated content, and competitiveness. Media literacy is important because it serves as the foundation for being an informed and critical thinker; thus, the study recommends, among other things, that media outlets evaluate and cross-check their sources, as well as encourage politicians and government officials to be cautious in their choice of words, as they have the potential to spread rapidly and incite violence.