In the first month of 2022, 2023 may seem far, but for power mongers and their supporters sharing fake photos and fake news to damage the reputation of their perceived opponents election year is here already.
As usual, when an election is near, the game of interest would be more fierce, and it is saddening that many are citizens are hired to dish out fake content.
Hence, reputable Nigerian media outlets should be helping to curb the menace.
Curbing the menace doesn’t mean declaring war on fake news sharers but also educating the citizens on identifying fake news via fact-checking.
Fact-checking refers to “the act of checking factual assertions in non-fictional text in order to determine the veracity and correctness of the factual statements in the text.” The act helps in providing and finding accurate, unbiased content to correct public misperceptions.
On social media, reputable Nigerian media outlets can start promoting campaigns on curbing the menace. It is also essential to engage young journalists or campus journalists. Relevant webinars and workshops would go a long way in addressing the problem.
Many Nigerians need to know how to identify fake news; launching training or keeping them aware would be of great help. Nigerians need to be trained on applying their sixth sense in knowing if a particular content or photo is doctored. Citizens need to learn about Google Reverse Image Search, Tineye, or other tools that assist in checking if photos are doctored or altered.
War against fake news, persons, or social media accounts that always share hateful comments can be won with the help of reputable media outlets. Fact-checking is very important for functioning democracy because fake news usually has real-life consequences.
It would be good if reputable Nigerian media outlets collaborate to equip citizens to appreciate the need for fact-checking, use correct information in making choices.