Social media makes Africans vulnerable to disinformation
A recent study conducted by KnowBe4 (www.KnowBe4.com) across Africa indicates that 84% of participants consider social media their main source of news, with 80% specifically favoring Facebook. This significant reliance on social media for information raises concerns, especially in light of the increasing prevalence of disinformation.
As 19 African nations prepare for elections in 2024 and various political campaigns are in progress, apprehensions regarding misinformation (unintentionally disseminated false information) and disinformation (intentionally propagated falsehoods) are escalating. The Africa Centre for Strategic Studies (http://apo-opa.co/3Bj92mY) has reported a fourfold increase in disinformation campaigns across Africa since 2022, frequently supported by foreign entities such as Russia and China, which contributes to social unrest.
In light of these challenges, KnowBe4 carried out a survey in June 2024 focusing on political disinformation and misinformation in five African countries: Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, and South Africa. The survey, which involved 500 participants, revealed that a substantial majority (84%) prefer obtaining news from social media rather than traditional media outlets like radio, television, and news websites. Anna Collard, Senior Vice President of Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA, remarked, “80% of respondents are consuming news on Facebook and over 50% use TikTok. This is concerning, as neither of these platforms is particularly reliable for news.”
The capacity to identify false information may be overstated.
A troubling observation is that 82% of participants express confidence in their ability to differentiate between accurate and inaccurate information online, despite a generally insufficient level of formal education on the subject. Collard remarks, “Although the majority of respondents claim to discern real news from fake news, I am skeptical about this assertion. Other studies have indicated that individuals often overrate their skills in recognizing deepfakes, and paradoxically, a greater number of people place their trust in AI-generated images over genuine photographs.”
The survey further indicated that misinformation is increasingly viewed as a serious issue by many. A significant 80% of respondents conveyed considerable concern regarding the detrimental effects of fake news and its potential to foster social division. “In Kenya, numerous respondents reported witnessing firsthand how misinformation can incite tribal conflicts,” Collard observes.
She elaborates that social media influencers employing artificial hashtags contributed to similar political strife during Nigeria’s elections last year. “The swift dissemination of false information via social media, coupled with the growing availability of AI tools, facilitates the rapid and cost-effective production of intricate disinformation campaigns.”
Collard emphasizes, “As demonstrated by the disputes surrounding the results of South Africa’s 2024 election, there are individuals intent on undermining democracies and engaging in malicious activities to foster chaos that aligns with their own interests.” A notable historical instance is the #whiteminoritycapital disinformation campaign orchestrated by the British public relations firm Bell Pottinger in 2017, aimed at obscuring the issue of state capture by former South African president Jacob Zuma.
The necessity for enhanced training and stricter regulations
The survey highlights the urgent need for improved education and awareness regarding misinformation and disinformation. A notable 58% of participants indicated they had not received any training on this subject, while a troubling 32% confessed to disregarding fake news, underscoring the importance of a more proactive and engaged approach.
“We require a comprehensive strategy to address disinformation,” states Collard. This strategy should include heightened awareness and critical thinking skills among users, coordinated governmental efforts to curb the dissemination of fake news (which may involve more robust legislation), and increased diligence from social media platforms in identifying and eliminating disinformation campaigns.
“Fake news presents a persistent challenge that demands ongoing focus,” Collard concludes. “To combat it effectively, we must employ a combination of innovative technology, improved preventive measures, and, crucially, educate individuals to critically evaluate media, especially when it involves emotionally charged or potentially divisive content. As the digital environment evolves, our strategies for safeguarding the integrity of information must also advance.”
To access the complete 2024 Political Disinformation in Africa report, please click here: https://apo-opa.co/3zxqZO7.
