The Impact of Social Media on Covid-19

Siow, Zhi Hui (2021) The Impact of Social Media on Covid-19. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Fake news is a major concern globally which numerous news articles worldwide have reported on the spread of fake news in multiple arenas. Fake news is defined as deliberate misinformation spread by traditional or new media such as social media. Malaysia, similarly, has been covering the proliferation of fake news in the media. This study aims to determine Malaysians' perception of COVID-19 in the context of their social media usage and media credibility among 100 Malaysian social media users aged from 18 to 56 and above. Survey quantitative research method was utilised in this study to find out the perceptions of Malaysian toward COVID-19 fake news on social media. This study show that social media especially Facebook was ranked as the most frequently used medium for searching news and information of COVID-19. The result has shown Malaysians were share and discuss the COVID-19 news and information with their family and friends on social media but they reluctant to post the news on the Facebook. Majority of them agreed that misinformation or fake news regarding on COVID-19 will spread fear and panic among the public and the disinformation will affect their level of trustworthiness toward the news sources.