Social Media, Good News Platform Or Misinformation Hub? Navigating Viral Stories And Verifying Facts -By Isaac Asabor

In today’s digital world, social media has transformed how we consume news. Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok have made it possible for breaking stories to spread rapidly, often before traditional news outlets even catch wind. But with this accessibility and speed comes a concerning challenge: misinformation. Two recent stories that have gone viral on social media illustrate this vividly, a troubling narrative about a young woman in Benin City allegedly poisoning five people, including her ex-boyfriend, and another claiming that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, shut down NNPCL and all oil companies in Rivers State.

In both cases, social media users were quick to amplify these stories, sharing them widely with varying details and without verification. However, the story about Fubara shutting down NNPCL and all oil companies in Rivers State has been debunked in a statement issued by Warisenibo Joe Johnson, Commissioner for Information and Communications in the State, raising a fundamental question: “Is social media a reliable platform for news, or is it simply a breeding ground for unverified and sensationalized content?”

Social media is both a blessing and a curse. Its allure lies in its instant accessibility, where anyone can post, share, and react in real-time. This structure, though empowering, has a darker side, it blurs the line between factual reporting and unverified claims. Stories like the alleged poisoning incident in Benin City and the supposed expulsion of oil companies by Governor Fubara often come with shocking headlines, gripping details, and a sense of immediacy that drives people to share without checking for authenticity.

In the case of the young woman allegedly poisoning multiple individuals, the story spread like wildfire, causing alarm and sparking discussions about relationships, mental health, and societal pressures. As details were still emerging, social media users drew conclusions, shared theories, and even started warning others about potential dangers. Although local authorities had not yet confirmed many aspects of the story, this did not stop the narrative from taking a life of its own online.

Similarly, the story that Governor Fubara had driven oil companies out of Port Harcourt caused an uproar, especially given the economic significance of the oil sector in Nigeria. Social media users expressed outrage, others shared perceived insider information, and many users pointed to potential economic repercussions for the region. Though, the Rivers State government has clarified that the governor had not expelled any companies. This refutation, though available, has not receive the same level of visibility as the original, incorrect story, and some users continue to believe the misinformation.

One of the main drivers of misinformation on social media is sensationalism. In an age where engagement often equals success, stories that trigger strong emotions tend to gain more traction. Social media platforms are designed to capitalize on this through likes, shares, and comments, creating a cycle where shocking stories are prioritized. Sensationalism captures attention, and when combined with limited scrutiny, it can push even the most implausible narratives into viral status.

The poisoning story and the alleged eviction of oil companies both feed into sensational themes: the former taps into fears around relationships gone wrong and criminal acts, while the latter touches on economic anxieties and governance issues in Nigeria. This sensationalist angle often leads people to share the news, assuming its validity based on its shock factor alone. Unfortunately, few pause to check the facts before hitting the “share” button, further spreading unchecked information.

In traditional journalism, stories undergo a rigorous process of verification and fact-checking before reaching the public. However, social media bypasses this protocol, putting the responsibility of verification largely on users. While social media companies have recently implemented fact-checking measures and flagged misleading content, these actions are often reactive rather than preventative. The burden, therefore, falls on individuals to think critically, verify information, and recognize reputable sources from unreliable ones.

One way to counter this misinformation epidemic is through responsible sharing. Before reposting, users should ask basic questions: Is the source reliable? Have other reputable outlets reported on it? Does the story seem plausible, and can it be corroborated? Additionally, independent fact-checking organizations such as Africa Check and AFP Fact Check offer resources to verify claims, but unfortunately, these platforms are underutilized by many social media users.

For example, had users taken a moment to check the Rivers State government’s official platforms, they would have seen that the claim about Governor Fubara expelling oil companies was inaccurate. Unfortunately, the correction did not spread as swiftly as the initial post, illustrating the challenges of debunking misinformation once it has gained momentum online.

False information may seem harmless, but it can have serious real-world consequences. In the case of the alleged poisoning in Benin City, the story has potentially endangered reputations, created fear, and potentially traumatized families affected by the accusations. Similarly, the unfounded narrative of Governor Fubara shutting down oil companies could lead to unwarranted panic, impacting investment decisions and people’s trust in governance.

There are even more severe implications when misinformation feeds into societal tensions, heightens mistrust in institutions, or sparks public unrest. False reports of political actions, as in the Fubara case, can influence public opinion and erode trust in leaders. When misinformation is left unchallenged, it can leave lasting scars on the individuals involved and society at large, with rumors often outlasting the truth.

Considering the rapid spread of misinformation and the challenges in correcting it, one must question whether social media can truly serve as a reliable platform for news. While social media has democratized information dissemination and allowed more voices to be heard, it has also created a climate where misinformation is pervasive. Viral stories often prioritize engagement over accuracy, leading to a distorted public perception.

Some argue that social media’s benefits outweigh the risks. It offers a platform for underrepresented voices, provides real-time updates on breaking events, and fosters public discourse. But as the cases of the Benin City poisoning and the Fubara controversy reveal, the lack of checks and balances on social media can make it a problematic source for news. For social media to serve as a good news platform, there needs to be a concerted effort from users, platform administrators, and journalists to prioritize truth over sensationalism.

Ultimately, social media is here to stay, and its role in news dissemination will only continue to grow. But we need a collective shift towards responsibility, where users are empowered to fact-check, platforms are committed to highlighting verified information, and newsrooms strive to correct false information that goes viral. In the wake of these recent viral stories, it is clear that the current system leaves much to be desired.

The question remains: How can we foster an environment where social media supports accurate news reporting without compromising on its accessibility and engagement? One solution could be to enhance digital literacy, encouraging users to think critically about the information they consume and share. Social media platforms should also invest more in algorithms that prioritize verified sources and provide clearer mechanisms for flagging false content.

The next time a shocking story pops up on your feed, pause. Consider the impact of sharing without verification, and remember that in the age of information, truth often requires a bit more effort to find. Social media can be a good news platform, but only if users commit to questioning what they read and seeking the truth, rather than falling prey to the allure of sensationalism.

In fact, social media has great potential as a news platform, but only when balanced with a commitment to accuracy. Without this, it risks becoming a hub of misinformation, where stories like those in Benin City and Port Harcourt are blown out of proportion, sensationalized, and taken as fact before anyone has a chance to question their validity.