DANGERS OF MISINFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA: THE EBOLA VIRUS SCARE SAGA

ABSTRACT

The study is focused on examining the Dangers of misinformation on social media: The Ebola virus scare saga. It aimed at finding out on how social media users respond to misinformation, rumours and the dangers associated with such disinformation. It also sought to explore the health consciousness of the respondents. The literature review examined the reviews of substantial evidences that information is sacrosanct during periods of pandemic, however, disinformation, misinformation and rumour can be dangerous to the health of the public. The survey research method was used to gather the data used for the study. Findings of the study revealed that misinformation can cause chaos, unnecessary tension and social disorder in the society. The researcher therefore concluded that the social media users should confirm information gotten on the internet from the mainstream media and reputable health bodies like the World health organization. The study recommended that platform policing will be effective in curbing fake health news and misinformation on Ebola virus disease. It also recommended that fake accounts on social media should be eliminated to curb misinformation.