Influence of fake news on public opinion - a study of Whatsapp and Facebook Department: Mass Communication By: GodFirst Project ID: 8923 Rating: (5.0) votes: 1Rate this project12345 Price:₦5000 Get the Complete MaterialAbstractThe rapid growth of social media has revolutionized information dissemination, but it has also facilitated the widespread circulation of fake news, which poses significant challenges to public opinion formation. This study examines the influence of fake news on public opinion, focusing on two widely used platforms in Nigeria: WhatsApp and Facebook. The research aims to identify the types of fake news, the frequency of exposure, the effects on public perception, and possible mitigation strategies. A descriptive survey research design was employed, and 100 respondents were selected from Owerri using purposive sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using tables, percentages, and chi-square (?²) tests. The study found that fake news is prevalent on WhatsApp and Facebook, with political, health, and security-related news being the most common. Exposure to fake news significantly influences public opinion, particularly regarding political decisions and trust in mainstream media. WhatsApp was identified as a major conduit due to its private and encrypted messaging system. The findings highlight the negative consequences of fake news, including confusion, misinformation, and social polarization. Recommendations include promoting media literacy, enhancing fact-checking mechanisms, and implementing effective platform regulations. The study contributes to understanding how fake news shapes public opinion and provides insights for policymakers, social media platforms, and the public in mitigating its harmful effects. Keywords: Fake news, public opinion, social media, WhatsApp, Facebook, misinformation, media literacy ...Preview Download Preview +Other Mass Communication project topics and materials you might be interested in»Impact of social media on students academic performance (a study of students of university of Abuja) »Impact of social media on modern journalism (a study of journalists in Makurdi metropolis) »Impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on radio news reporting (a study of Atlantic FM Uyo) »Perception of cyber crime among Nigerian youths (a study of Caritas university) »The effect of government ownership and control of mass media objectivity reporting (a case study of Enugu state broadcasting services) »Coverage of foreign news by Nigerian newspapers: A content analysis of vanguard and daily sun newspapers»Audience perception of Nigerian newspapers on the internet»Impact of mobile phone on agricultural information among Otukpo farmers»The Effects of Television Commercials on Buying Habits of Enugu Metropolis ( A Case Study of Omo and Elephant Detergents )»Influence of news censorship on the performance of media houses in Nigeria (a study of Nasarawa broadcasting service, Lafia) »Importance of indigenous language in broadcasting media»Role of communication technology in improving work efficiency of AIT staff (a study of AIT Abuja) »Influence of television advertising on consumer buying habits of Guinness stout in Ikeja community of Lagos state»The effect of AKBC tv peak milk advertisement on the consumers buying habit»Effect of public relations on the consumer (a case study of premier breweries plc)