The Impact of Fake News and Cloned Online Pages on Media Credibility, Public Trust and Societal Cohesion in Nigeria: Solutions and Practical and Theoretical Implications

The proliferation of fake news and cloned pages represents a significant challenge to the media landscape in Nigeria, influencing public trust, information integrity and societal cohesion. This study critically examines the consequences, solutions and theoretical underpinnings related to these phenomena. Through a comprehensive review of recent literature, including data from notable organisations such as the Centre for Democracy and Development and the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, the study highlights the extensive reach and influence of fake news and cloned pages. The literature reveal that a substantial portion of the Nigerian population encounters and acts upon misleading information, undermining both media credibility and public confidence. The study proposes targeted interventions, including enhanced media literacy, robust fact-checking mechanisms and collaborative regulatory frameworks, to address these challenges. By integrating insights from theoretical perspectives on misinformation and media influence, the research offers practical recommendations to improve information integrity and foster a more informed public. Keywords: Fake News, Cloned Pages, Media Literacy, Information Integrity, Public Trust, Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/107-01 Date of Publication: January 30th 2025