DIGITAL MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY: TOOLS FOR COMBATING MISINFORMATION AMONG NIGERIA UNDERGRADUATES IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Misinformation presents an escalating concern in higher education, especially among undergraduate students who frequently turn to digital and social media for both academic and general information. This study investigates the role of information literacy in addressing misinformation among 450 undergraduates in tertiary institutions across Imo State, Nigeria. It assesses students’ current level of information literacy, their encounters with false or misleading content, and how these competencies affect their capacity to assess and validate information sources. The widespread circulation of inaccurate information online carries significant consequences for students’ academic performance, social interactions, and mental well-being. Grounded in the premise that individuals skilled in information literacy are more capable of recognizing, analyzing, and utilizing reliable information, the research underscores the need to incorporate information literacy training into undergraduate programs. Evidence from existing studies indicates that students with stronger information literacy abilities are more adept at identifying misinformation and are less inclined to circulate unconfirmed material. The study concludes that enhancing information literacy is a vital approach to mitigating the effects of misinformation on undergraduate students in Imo State.