EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA FAKE NEWS ON UNICROSS STUDENTS

The primary objective of this study is to effect the danger of social media fake news on UNICROSS Students. The uses and gratification theory was adopted to provide a footprint for the study. The study adopted the explanatory mixed method in which descriptive survey is used for quantitative and in-depth interview is use for the qualitative aspect of the survey with sample size of 392 respondents. The questionnaire was adopted as the major instrument for data collection, the questionnaire was computed, distributed one on one to the respondents. The data collated were analyzed and the major findings were discussed; majority of the respondents agreed that fake news affects UNICROSS Students academic performance, influences their opinions and beliefs, makes them feel more confused about current events, and makes them share misinformation after being exposed to fake news. The study concludes that the danger of social media fake news and its influence on students is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. The widespread dissemination of false information on social media platforms has the potential to shape students' perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes, leading to a distorted understanding of reality. Based on findings the researcher recommends that critical thinking skills and fact-checking techniques should be taught and students should be encouraged to evaluate online sources critically.