KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TO FAKE NEWS DETECTION MEASURES AND PRACTICE OF CORRECTIVE ACTIONS AMONG CONVENANT AND BABCOCK UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES
Abstract
The rise of fake news, especially in the digital age, poses a serious threat to public trust, media credibility, and societal cohesion. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and corrective practices related to fake news among undergraduates of Covenant and Babcock Universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. Adopting a descriptive survey research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 400 students selected via purposive sampling. The findings revealed a generally high level of knowledge among respondents regarding fake news detection measures, including recognition of algorithm-driven misinformation and the importance of cross-verifying sources. Attitudinal responses also showed positivity, with most students expressing responsibility and motivation to detect fake news. Furthermore, the study found strong engagement in corrective actions such as reporting misinformation, avoiding unverified content, and educating peers. These outcomes
highlight the significant role of digital literacy and critical thinking in combating misinformation. The study recommends integrating media literacy programs into university curricula and encouraging peer-
led fact-checking initiatives to enhance students' resilience against fake news.
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