INFLUENCE OF MISINFORMATION ON PUBLIC TRUST, PERCEPTION AND ENGAGEMENT WITH TRADITIONAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA: A STUDY OF BOWEN UNIVERSITY, OSUN STATE.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the influence of misinformation on public trust, perception, and engagement with traditional and social media among undergraduate students of Bowen University, Osun State. The rise of misinformation, particularly on digital platforms, has prompted increasing concern about its effects on how individuals evaluate media credibility and engage with news sources. Grounded in Inoculation Theory and Conspiracy Theory, this research employed a quantitative approach using structured questionnaires to gather data from a randomly selected sample of 365 students. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and ANOVA were used to analyse the data. The findings reveal that exposure to misinformation significantly undermines public trust in both social and traditional media, although the impact is more pronounced in social media contexts. Respondents demonstrated increased skepticism, a growing preference for traditional media, and active information verification behaviours. The study also found that misinformation alters media consumption habits, with many respondents diversifying their news sources and avoiding platforms perceived as unreliable. The results highlight the necessity of media literacy, fact-checking initiatives, and transparent communication practices by media institutions. The study concludes that misinformation not only distorts public perception and trust but also affects civic engagement and informed decision-making. Recommendations include integrating critical media education into curricula and enhancing collaborative efforts between media organizations and digital platforms to combat the spread of false information.