Despite a growing concern about misinformation and false claims, social media users continue to believe that the information they read and share on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook is factually accurate, with higher levels of trust in developing economies such as Africa and South, India and Mexico.
The findings are based on a global study by Oxford University Press. The world’s largest university press shows that when looking for factual information, 37% turn to social media, in South Africa this rises to 43% with most of us also relying heavily on Google and other search engines for information, with two-thirds of people (67%) worldwide find facts this way.
study, matter of fact, takes a broad look at how people around the world seek information and judge its accuracy, and finds that social media has become central to shaping people’s understanding.
More than half (52%) said that when it came to distinguishing fact from fiction, sites such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram play an important role. At the same time, reliance on books and more traditional means of gathering accurate information has declined.
The pandemic appears to have had an impact on people’s perceptions of the truth, with around three in four people admitting they are now more cautious about the accuracy of the information they come across – a figure that rises to over 80% in South Africa . The data also shows growing mistrust and skepticism about veracity, with 68% saying it has become harder to ascertain whether information is factually accurate.
These are just some of the recent cases of misinformation in South Africa – some of which were debunked by the popular fact-checking website Africa (www.africacheck.org) – they include:
- claims that COVID-19 vaccines contain traces of monkeypox;
- rooibos tea is a cure for allergies, diabetes and kidney stones;
- plans by the South African Reserve Bank to introduce a R500 note into the South African currency;
- and claims South Africa is the most dangerous place in the world to drive.
full report, matter of fact, can be accessed here.
About Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press (OUP) is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship and education by publishing worldwide. OUP is the world’s largest university press with the widest global presence.
It currently publishes thousands of new publications annually, has offices in approximately fifty countries, and employs approximately 6,000 people worldwide.
