Influence of Digital Fact-Checking on Residents’ Perception of Development News in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State

This study investigates the influence of digital fact-checking on the perception of development news among residents of Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. The study investigates among other objectives, the awareness level of Uyo residents about digital fact checking and the extent to which digital fact checking has influenced the perception of Uyo residents on development news. Utilising a survey research design, the research targeted a projected population of 450,000 residents in Uyo based on 2006 census projected figures. Employing Philip Meyer’s formula for large population, a sample size of 384 respondents is derived to ensure statistical validity. To enhance the robustness of the findings, a multi-step, cluster and convenience sampling technique is adopted. This is achieved through the clustering of Uyo Local Government into eleven clusters representing eleven Wards that make up the Local Government Area. The study also adopts some theoretical underpinning to include the social responsibility theory, the technological determinism theory, the two step flow media theory and the multistep flow theories. Findings from the study indicate among others that, Uyo residents are aware of digital fact checking process but were not aware of the platforms and components of fact checking. The study therefore concludes that the Residents of Uyo are fully aware of the practice of digital fact checking but not aware of the various platforms this could be achieved therefore has not benefited optimally from the practice. It recommends therefore that advocacy agencies and groups should initiate broader strategies and discourse on media literacy and responsible information consumption in the digital age.