Abstract:
This study investigated the effect of media and information literacy (MIL) on
the ability to identify fake news, disinformation and misinformation, and sharing intentions.
The experimental approach was selected to study both the control group and
experimental group made up of a total of 187 respondents. Comparative analysis of the
two groups revealed that although more respondents in the experimental group were
able to identify the inauthenticity of information presented to them, some of the
respondents in the control group were also able to do the same, even though they did not
receive MIL training. Conversely, some respondents in the experimental group, even
though they were trained in MIL, could not determine the inauthenticity of information,
possibly because the one-off training given to them did not allow them to assimilate all
the information in one sitting. Nonetheless, the results of the bivariate correlation computation
showed that MIL trained respondents were more likely to determine authenticity
or otherwise of information and less likely to share inaccurate stories. This means that
when MIL increases, sharing of fake news decreases. This is yet another evidence that MIL enables information consumers to make informed judgments about quality information. It is recommended that MIL is incorporated into mainstream educational modules and consistently revised to reflect the demands of the times. MIL programs must also consider how to effectively reach those without formal education. Actors within the information, communications, and media ecology must contribute to their quota in making information consumers more discerning with the right MIL sensitisation.
