By Oko Pascal Adinya

The rapid growth of technology, coupled with the ever-expanding realm of information technology and social media, poses a pressing threat to our society and nation. The dissemination of false information possesses the potential to disrupt the delicate fabric of our society and indeed, the entire country.

Fabricated stories pitting one tribe against another or one political party against its rival can sow discord and even incite violence. Indisputably, the creation and dissemination of fake news has a sinister motive. Its purpose is to deceive, breed mistrust, undermine democratic processes, propagate debunked scientific claims, obscure the truth and incite violence. The spread of fake news has provided a breeding ground for hate speech and unpleasant conspiracy theories, deliberately crafted to foster discontent. Even politicians engage in this practice to tarnish their opponents or discredit opposing parties, sometimes resorting to maligning entire ethnic groups. 

Fake News also has damaging effects on critical sectors. For instance, the impact of fake news on medical science is painfully apparent. It impedes people from making informed decisions and enhancing their quality of life. Spurious stories that present immunization, as a covert birth control method has the capacity to dissuade many from participation, thus exposing them to preventable diseases. Additionally, Fake news exerts a detrimental influence on investment decisions. The promotion of dubious brands can lead individuals to overspend or fall victim to scams propagated by false information. Sadly, many have suffered financial losses due to such deceitful practices.Even governments and their well-intentioned projects and programmes do not escape the clutches of fake news. Its effects make it challenging for citizens to perceive the truth and appreciate government’s efforts to uplift their lives. The proliferation of fake news has caused numerous communities to oppose government initiatives that would otherwise benefit them.

Likewise, Fake news has the potential to foment disharmony and violence within a society. False narratives, whether online or physical, aimed at specific groups can instil fear or subject individuals to harassment. Most times, the media is complicit in the deliberate spread of false information for ulterior motives. Activities of individuals like Jackson Ude, accused severally for their penchant for spreading fake news have dire consequences for the country. Recently, Ude tweeted a damaging falsehood alleging that judges from the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) were drafting their judgments in the residence of the former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola. This allegation caused public outrage as it was capable of plunging the country into crisis had it not been exposed as false.

Another instance of the harmful effects of fake news is the false claim by MyNigeria, a media outlet based outside the country alleging that the recent hike in fuel prices resulted from extortion by some security forces. Such misleading narratives not only creates public unrest but also erode trust in government institutions. Furthermore, unethical journalism practices, characterized by inciting and sensational reporting by the likes of Samuel Ogundipe’s People’s Gazette and Omoyele Sowore’s Sahara Reporters pose grave concerns. These individuals seem to have abandoned the fundamental principles of ethical journalism and opted, instead to perpetuate sensationalism and discord.

The impact of these actions is profound. They foster a climate of misinformation and distrust in the media, undermine public confidence in crucial institutions and can even incite unnecessary social and political turmoil. In an era where the media is meant to be a reliable source of information and accountability, such compromise of ethical standards can have far-reaching consequences for the country as a whole. t is even unfortunate that these individuals live outside the country, yet continue to churn out Fake News to destabilise their home country. By abusing jurisdictional boundaries, they continue to pursue divisive actions. 

Unfortunately, these persons are ignorant of the fact that their relatives still reside in the country, thus when the country burns, it would also consume them. A popular adage says do not throw a stone in the market place because you do not know on whose head it will land. Persons and groups that spread Fake News because it serves their temporary interest should take a moment to consider the real-world consequences of their actions. They should understand that disseminating fake news is harmful. Our society and our country can only thrive when we minimize and actively discourage the spread of fake news, if not eradicate it altogether.

Oko Pascal Adinya is a Legal Practitioner and Public Affairs Commentator writing from Makurdi, Benue State