By: Ingabo Elvis
Misinformation is becoming a major vice during this electioneering period. Social media plays a vital role in the fast spread of misleading data and messages to the public. Despite these messages meeting the various principles of quality news (Currency, Reliability, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose), the messages still do not have the balance in them in the eyes of the public.
Dominant coalitions(Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance) have been seen publicly claiming that both their presidential candidates are winners of the just held 9th August,2022, general elections. The misinformation has led to confusion among citizens, who are still waiting for the final information from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Having not fully healed from the 2007/2008 election violence, subsequent elections in the country have solicited fear and uncertainty among citizens, and quick spread of fake news on presidential results among citizens, only adds salt to the wound. Aside from anxiety and confusion caused by misinformation, it also makes it hard to identify the truth, since many people don’t take their time to confirm the sources, fake news also is a threat to democracy due to its target to hyper-partisan views resulting in prejudice, thus influencing their behaviours.
The question now remains is it possible to discern the validity of various messages and data shared on social media pages, before sharing them to the public? The following guidelines help in solving the above puzzle;-
- Analyze the headline. Dramatic or juicy headlines might suggest that the information is misleading. Quality and good headlines use neutral language and standard punctuations.
- Consider the source. The credentials of the author has to be known for credibility purposes, date of publication, publication house or media.
- Look for citations and images if there are any. Misleading information lacks sources of facts, images used, quotes. and with the rise of photoshopped and mislabelled images, do a google reverse image search to inquire for the image sources.
- Do a quick fact checking with aid of some of the trusted fact checking websites or one can seek assistance of a qualified librarian.
- Practise bias on the information. If the information doesn’t suit one’s beliefs and affect their judgement, they should exert self control, and discern for credibility of the messages before sharing them.
Kenyans on social media platforms should then confirm the truthfulness of information received and shared during this crucial period, practice patience and spread peace messages all over the country.
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