Implications of Social Media Disinformation and False Narratives for Public Opinion among Nigerian Electorate

Background: In recent years, the pervasive spread of disinformation and false narratives on social media has emerged as a significant societal challenge. Disinformation campaigns have increasingly distorted public perception, shaped political affiliations, and fueled divisions on critical societal issues. This phenomenon threatens to erode societal trust, compromise democratic values, and disrupt public cohesion. Objective: This study aimed to examine the implications of social media disinformation on public opinion, focusing on how false narratives influence societal perceptions, political alignments, and collective actions. Method: This paper employs a qualitative research methodology, examining various empirical studies and secondary data sources. Peer-reviewed journal articles, credible online publications, and theoretical sources published after 2000 were selected to provide relevant insights Results: The findings revealed that social media disinformation poses a significant threat to societal cohesion by amplifying cognitive biases, fostering echo chambers, and distorting public opinion. Social media algorithms were identified as critical enablers of the rapid dissemination and persistence of sensationalized and false content, often undermining democratic processes. Conclusion: The study concluded that the widespread presence of social media disinformation presents profound challenges to public trust and societal stability. Left unaddressed, these issues could further weaken the foundations of democratic governance and civil society. Unique Contribution: This study provides a comprehensive understanding of how digital disinformation interacts with cognitive and technological factors to influence public opinion, offering actionable insights for mitigating its impact. Key Recommendations: There is need for a more widespread digital and media literacy programmes to foster critical thinking and promote source verification, particularly among vulnerable demographics. It is also important to encourage social media platforms to disclose algorithmic operations, reduce the visibility of sensationalized content, and prioritize collaboration with independent fact-checkers to identify and flag false information. Again, it is desirable to introduce platform features designed to expose users to diverse viewpoints, thereby reducing the echo chamber effect. Finally, there is need to invest in further studies to develop and test effective fact-checking and intervention strategies, enabling evidence-based approaches to counter disinformation.