Author
Blessing Ewa-Ibe (Ph.D)
Department of Mass Communication,
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.
https//orcid.org/0009-0001-8540-8376
ewa-ibe.b@ebsu.edu.ng
Ai Use Statement:
AI-assisted tools were used solely to support language
editing, organization, and improvement of the clarity and
readability of this manuscript. The author reviewed,
verified all AI-assisted content and remains fully
responsible for the originality, accuracy, integrity, and
final version of the work.
Abstract
The proliferation of misinformation on social media has
increased the need for users to possess adequate digital
literacy and effective news verification skills. This study
examined digital literacy, misinformation and news
verification among social media users in Abakaliki
Urban, Ebonyi State. The study was guided by four
objectives, which examined the extent of exposure to
misinformation, level of digital literacy, level of news
verification practices, and the relationship between
digital literacy and news verification practices. The study
adopted a survey research design. The population
comprises of social media users in Abakaliki Urban,
while a sample size of 384 respondents was determined using Cochran’s formula for a large or unknown
population. A structured questionnaire was used for data
collection, and the data were analyzed using frequencies,
percentages, mean scores and Pearson Product-Moment
Correlation. Findings show that respondents has
relatively high level of exposure to misinformation, with
an overall mean score of 3.81. The respondents also
demonstrated a relatively high level of digital literacy,
with an overall mean score of 4.08, while their news
verification practices recorded an overall mean score of
3.97. Furthermore, the study found a positive and
statistically significant relationship between digital
literacy and news verification practices (r = .624, p <
.001). The study recommends strengthening digital
literacy programmes, encouraging routine verification
before sharing information, and integrating practical
news verification skills into media and public
information education.
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