THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 FAKE NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS IMPACT AMONG MALAYSIANS

Abstract

The problem of spreading fake news is not something new in this globalized era. However, nowadays, it has become a common trend among our Malaysians. In the current situation of our country Malaysia, the platform of social media is portrayed as the most suitable platform to spread rumors and fake news all over. Since the country is plagued by the Covid-19 pandemic, a variety of news and stories are served before our eyes on various social media such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, or Instagram. These deleterious actions can actually have a detrimental effect on social, economic growth, national security as well as psychosocial impact. Findings show that information easier to obtain; easily believe in whatever they read and self-satisfaction are the main reasons for an individual who tends to have the tendency to spread fake news.