THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN A FIGHT AGAINST MISINFORMATION ON CORONAVIRUS EPIDEMIC

The current battle against misinformation on most social media platforms is primarily concentrated on so-called “bad actors” that deliberately spread lies and misleading information, sometimes for political gain. Facebook, for example, uses an automated system to serve potentially inaccurate content to third-party fact-checkers who then identify, review and rate inaccurate stories so that their distribution can be reduced. It’s a resource-heavy and time-consuming process, and questions about its effectiveness were raised before the coronavirus conversation exploded on social media.

Schultze (2009), emphasized social media as the collection of tools and Online space ,available to help individual and business to accelerate their Information and Communications needs.Platforms like Twitter and Facebook were also among the earliest sources of accurate COVID-19 information. But since average citizens, celebrities, politicians and others use social platforms to share their coronavirus experiences, air grievances and simply kill time while self-isolating, important health and safety information easily gets drowned out. Many users may be well-meaning but uninformed, and they could be unintentionally spreading inaccurate information.
As a result, social media platforms have taken unprecedented steps to stop the spread of coronavirus-related misinformation. Facebook has provided the World Health Organization (WHO) with as many free ads as they need and blocked ads from brands that may be exploiting the situation by claiming that their products can cure the virus, for example. That’s in addition to increased fact-checking and a pop-up that directs users who search for coronavirus directly to the WHO’s website or a local health authority. Twitter also directs users to local health authorities’ sites like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US.

The major social platforms—Facebook, LinkedIn, reddit, Twitter and YouTube—along with Google and Microsoft, issued a joint statement announcing that they had banded together to fight COVID-19-related misinformation . “We’re helping millions of people stay connected while also jointly combating fraud and misinformation about the virus, elevating authoritative content on our platforms, and sharing critical updates in coordination with government healthcare agencies around the world.

Statement of the Problem

The social media exist to service the information needs of the society. but at the same time, the noted problem is that most Information’s are not from a reliable source, or is not credible . Inline with the social responsibility role of the press. Onabajo (2002) argued that most discussions we hold today originate their topics from broadcast media. Most social media subscribers neglect Stories Happening in the country and are more concerned with entertainment ,This has made Cultural Imperialism affect ,the Nation ,as the use of smart phone ,affect the perception ,on the way, we think ,act and Behave in our respective Lifestyle ,in Nigeria .
Indicating that many people , read and watch news they do not trust. Because News Information, is gotten from mistrust Individuals, due to that fact anyone, can disseminate news Information, at any point In time. Since reported levels of trust in media, are relatively low it is obvious that some people will watch news they say they do not trust while trying to filter out information, therefore they are considered biased or untrustworthy.

Objectives of the Study

the main objectives of the study is to investigate the The Impact of Social Media In A Fight Against Misinformation On CoronaVirus Epidemic

Specific objectives of the study are:

1. to examine major tools facebook are using to curb the spread of fake information of COVID19
2. to analyse the different misinformation on COVID19 spread in the internet
3. to recommend the best way to stop the spread of fake information on covid19
4. to examine the public perception of social media contribution in the fight against fake information on covid19 in Nigeria

Research QUESTIONS

1. what are the major tools facebook are using to curb the spread of fake information of COVID19?
2. what are the different misinformation on COVID19 spread in the internet?
3. what are the best way to stop the spread of fake information on covid19
4. What is the public perception of social media contribution in the fight against fake information on covid19 in Nigeria?

Significance of Study

The study is of eminence benefit in regulating, the Use of social Media and the Mode of new Age communication, in regularizing the use of social media and its effect on the Masses.