Social media, media freedom and misinformation: Challenges faced by journalists in the Middle East and North Africa during early COVID-19

This study examines social media adoption among Arab journalists during the early pandemic by conducting (1) a large online survey ( n = 1,443) representing 19 Arab countries and (2) structured interviews ( n = 19) representing ten Arab countries. The results indicate that Arab journalists relied heavily on social media for information and topics during COVID-19. Facebook and WhatsApp platforms have done comparatively better in dealing with some COVID-19 misinformation. Interviewees highlight two key challenges when using social media: ‘media freedom’ and ‘misinformation’. While the former contributes evidence to the vulnerable position of Arab journalists, the latter is consistent with the challenges reported by journalists elsewhere.