Social Media & Namibia's Elections
IPPR: Tracking Disinformation
The methodology used to conduct the research was browsing social media groups, mainly Facebook and WhatsAp, these platforms were found to be where most Namibians share their views and disseinate information. After carefully and thoroughly filtering through what information is shared, by who and how the content is accepted and questioned. All the supporting partners were actively involved in the groups through engaging with the group members; asking questions like “Are you sure about the articles credibility?” and presenting information.
A few observations picked up were that people are more likely to spread false information due to the lack of exposure to credible information. Everyone has a hand to play, including figures in high positions such as political parties a few great examples mentioned at the event would be political parties using the wrong medium to address serious issues instead of tweeting they should have sit downs on camera addressing the country. Another factor would be the fact that media houses such as NBC and Eagle FM have a tendency of being negligent with what they produce.
During the presentation multiple screenshots of fake news were presented and explained, by the speaker.
Towards the end of the presentation recommendations were given to combat the issue or at least keep it to a minimum.
- Code of conduct messages being shared by agents and associated. Newspaper published articles, Youth papers.
- Implementing curricula in relatively tertiary level training initiatives about literacy information.
- Sharp skills concerning spotting suspicious information.
- Access to credible information will help to motivate positive change.
- Self-regulatory; people are trained in self-regulatory to decide for themselves what to put out in the public.
At the end of the presentation the speaker interacted with the audience and answered questions concerning the research conducted as well as general questions that might relate to it such as propaganda, fake news, misinformation and the importance of releasing information in a timely manner to avoid disinformation circulating.
Written by: McElory Maletsky (HSF Intern)
