Abuse of social media during COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji

Chand, Aneesh A. (2021) Abuse of social media during COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji. International Journal of Surgery, 92 . NA. ISSN 1743-9191

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Abstract

The spread of misinformation, facilitated by social media and other digital platforms, has proven to be as destructive to global public health as the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Fake news adds challenges to human communication efforts, producing tension, misunderstanding, and disbelief. While social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Viber, etc. have provided a huge relief during the lockdown helping reduce mental stress and depression as well as facilitating online education, and work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has also raised concerns over the spread of fake news. In such a situation, online fake news poses a new threat to public health communication as more people now depend on the internet to get health-related information. In response, this study seeks to understand how manipulation of news on social media has posed a threat to Fijian public health. Eventually, some of these have resulted in police investigations.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races Q Science > Q Science (General) > Q1-295 General
Divisions:	School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics (STEMP)
Depositing User:	Kabir Mamun
Date Deposited:	06 Sep 2021 03:23
Last Modified:	06 Sep 2021 03:23
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/12956

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