AWARENESS AND ADOPTION OF FACT CHECKING APPLICATION AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION VERIFICATION AMONG ONLINE USERS IN IKEJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

The transmission of false information during the era of digitalization has led to the use of fact- checking applications to ensure accuracy of information. This study therefore investigated the awareness and adoption of fact-checking applications as a tool for verification of information by online users in Ikeja Local Government Area. A survey research design with a quantitative approach was used . With a population of 185,112 residents in Ikeja, a sample size of 400 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. The Cronbach's alpha reliability ranged from 0.708 to 0.767, with the awareness scale recording a reliability of 0.713, and the adoption rate scale showing a reliability of 0.767. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed, and 398 copies were retrieved, resulting in a response rate of 99.5%. The result showed high level of awareness of fact-checking applications among online users in Ikeja (100%) , and the adoption rate towards fact checking application was low (1.82 (SD= 1.18).. The study concluded that despite high awareness , adoption remained low due to challenges like limited literacy training, distrust in the media, and unwillingness to participate. This study recommended more public awareness initiatives and fact checking application should be made easy to use so as to foster adoption by users.