Southwest Youth's Perceived Implications of Social Media Fake News on National Security in Nigeria

Abstract

Insecurity remains a paramount concern in present-day Nigeria, manifesting in diverse forms such as terrorism, ethno-religious conflicts, farmer-herder disputes, kidnappings, and secessionist movements. Within the realm of these security challenges lies a contentious debate among scholars regarding the influence of fake news disseminated through social media platforms on the country's security situation. This study employs an exploratory qualitative research approach to investigate how Southwest youth perceive the implications of fake news on national security. The research selectively sampled eighteen young individuals from nine local government areas spanning three Southwest states - Lagos, Ondo, and Osun. The study relied on in-depth interviews as the primary data collection method, employing an interview guide as the research instrument. NVivo IO software was utilised to thematically analyze the gathered data. The findings derived from these 18 interviews, involving participants aged between 18 and 35 years, underscored the considerable national security challenges facing Nigeria. Moreover, they highlighted the role of fake news in exacerbating these issues, resulting in adverse consequences for the nation's stability, unity, and overall development. Consequently, the study recommends that the government undertake initiatives to educate citizens about the potential harm stemming from fake news in the context of national security. This includes enhancing media literacy skills among the populace, enabling them to distinguish between false and accurate information.