Journal article
Who is Responsible for Stopping the Spread of Misinformation? Examining Audience Perceptions of Responsibilities and Responses in Six Sub-Saharan African Countries
Digital journalism, Vol.10(5), pp.679-697
08/12/2021
DOI: 10.1080/21670811.2021.1965491
Abstract
While research on misinformation in Africa has increased in recent years, and despite a growing body of theoretical and empirical work that considers the role of governments, platforms, and users in stopping misinformation globally, there is still a lack of empirical research addressing ways to curb its spread on the continent. Research has coalesced around the idea that no single approach will work in all contexts, and effective strategies need to include media literacy, fact-checking, changes in how news is produced and circulated, government oversight, and regulations as well as responses that take local contexts into account. Using data from 36 focus groups in six sub-Saharan African countries, we examine audiences' experiences with misinformation and perceptions of institutional and personal roles and responsibility for both preventing and intervening in the spread of misinformation. First, we examine perceptions of misinformation with a particular focus on whether misinformation is perceived as "a problem." Second, we examine perceived responsibility for addressing misinformation and possible solutions to the problem. Findings suggest that participants perceive misinformation as a problem if it has real or potential negative consequences and express a sense of shared responsibility among individuals and institutions for stopping the spread of misinformation.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Who is Responsible for Stopping the Spread of Misinformation? Examining Audience Perceptions of Responsibilities and Responses in Six Sub-Saharan African Countries
- Creators
- Melissa Tully - University of IowaDani Madrid-Morales - University of HoustonHerman Wasserman - University of Cape TownGregory Gondwe - University of Colorado BoulderKioko Ireri - Alliant International University
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Digital journalism, Vol.10(5), pp.679-697
- DOI
- 10.1080/21670811.2021.1965491
- ISSN
- 2167-0811
- eISSN
- 2167-082X
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Number of pages
- 19
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/12/2021
- Academic Unit
- Center for Social Science Innovation; Injury Prevention Research Center; Public Policy Center (Archive); School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Record Identifier
- 9984283722702771
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