Misinformation could be any false or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive.
This usually harms the public by misleading and manipulating readers.
Social media has had a dramatic impact on the ways we interact with one another.
The media platforms have connected us in new and impactful ways.
Stories and opinions can gain exposure with unprecedented speed, giving continuous access to a near and real-time conversation about important and trivial matters.
Unfortunately, there is a dark side to social media-fake news.
Misinformation can influence users, manipulating them for political or economic reasons.
The information or opinions that one disagrees with may not necessarily constitute misinformation.
Sometimes, unverified information is posted. It can be designed to push a specific agenda, whether that may be to besmirch apolitical opponents or to sell a phoney solution to a desperate market.
For instance, early this year, there was information doing rounds on social media platforms on what to do to prevent yourself from the infectious Covid-19 virus.
In October, fake news about the death of the first Attorney General Charles Njonjo emerged on social media.
People reacted to the post by sending condolences to his family but later realised the post was misleading.
To reduce the spread of misinformation, the citizens, bloggers and journalists need to be media literate.
They should be able to differentiate between misinformation and news.
Citizens should selectively consume what comes from social media.
Journalists should continue to broadcast credible information to the public.
Student, Rongo University.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
