Social media is the new source of information for many people today. The information may not be verified and hence not reliable. The breaking of news now happens on social media, and while the ‘news’ may go viral, the content may be false, dangerous and sensational. This is why ‘breaking news’ should be a task for professional journalists, and done with a sense of professionalism.
Misinformation, disinformation and hate narratives can even alter electoral outcomes by influencing the public’s political decision-making, says Hana Ibrahim, Editor of the Daily and Weekend Express newspapers and Convenor of the Free Media Movement (FMM).
When disinformation is gendered and targets women in politics, that is done on purpose to deny their right to political engagement. Disinformation and hate are misogynist tools that undermine women as well as the integrity of information.
To restore public trust, media persons need to work hard and content that generates public trust, Ibrahim said.
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