Fijians often share information without verifying facts, BBC survey finds

Fijians are more likely to share information first before verifying its accuracy.

This is according to BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) Media Action’s first audience-focused survey presented in Suva yesterday.

The finding has raised alarm among media experts who say this behaviour fuels the spread of misinformation and disinformation across social and traditional media platforms.

BBC Media Action Project Director Dipak Bhattarai described the trend as “quite alarming” during the presentation at Grand Pacific Hotel.

“People think that it is better to share the information first, then wait for the fact,” Mr Bhattarai said.

“People should actually wait for the fact and get the information.”

The survey, conducted from January to October this year, interviewed over 1,000 Fijians about their media consumption habits, information sources, and challenges with misinformation.

Mr Bhattarai said social media platforms are increasingly becoming the primary source of information for Fijians, despite radio, television and newspapers being viewed as more trustworthy.

“On social media platforms you see there are so much of rumours, so much of false information,” he said.

“If they don’t have the factual information, their decision might be misguided.”

The research revealed that digital media literacy campaigns and school education programmes on fact-checking are urgently needed.

Government representatives at the presentation called for fact-checking and critical thinking to be included in school curriculum.

Misinformation 'a real concern'

Fijian Media Association General Secretary Stanley Simpson acknowledged misinformation as “a real concern” causing unwarranted worry among the public.

“Our people haven’t really been educated or understand how to identify these sources of misinformation and disinformation and the use of Artificial Intelligence and they share anything that comes along,” Mr Simpson said.

He urged media outlets, social media influencers and authorities to better educate the public on recognizing credible information sources.

Mr Bhattarai advised Fijians to verify information before trusting social media content and to follow trustworthy platforms for making informed life decisions.

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