ASSESSMENT OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED CREDIBILITY OF NIGERIAN BLOGS AND FAKE NEWS CIRCULATION AMONG STUDENTS OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC OFFA
Abstract
The rapid growth of digital media has significantly transformed the way information is accessed and disseminated, with blogs becoming a popular source of news and updates in Nigeria. However, the credibility of these platforms has been called into question due to their association with the spread of fake news. This study assesses the relationship between the perceived credibility of Nigerian blogs and the circulation of fake news among students of Federal Polytechnic Offa. The research explores students’ trust in blogs, their reliance on these platforms for news consumption, and the subsequent impact on their engagement with fake news. Using a survey research design, data were collected from 176 students selected through a stratified random sampling method. A structured questionnaire served as the primary data collection tool, capturing insights on the students’ perceptions of blog credibility, their frequency of blog usage, and their ability to identify fake news. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the patterns and relationships within the findings. Results revealed that while a significant number of students rely on blogs for timely and accessible news, their perceptions of credibility vary based on factors such as the reputation of the blog, the presence of verifiable sources, and the consistency of the information provided. A notable correlation was identified between high reliance on blogs perceived as credible and increased vulnerability to fake news circulation. This highlights the dual-edged nature of trust in blogs, where perceived credibility may inadvertently facilitate the spread of misinformation. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for increased digital literacy among students to enable them to critically evaluate the credibility of online news sources. Recommendations include implementing workshops on media literacy, promoting fact-checking practices, and encouraging the use of diverse and reliable news sources. These measures aim to mitigate the impact of fake news while fostering a more informed and discerning student population.
Keywords: Nigerian blogs, perceived credibility, fake news, Federal Polytechnic Offa, digital literacy, media trust
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