Digitisation and information dissemination: Evaluating the effect of information spread on national conflict in Nigeria

Abstract

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed various conflicts, ranging from religious tension between Muslims and Christians to ethnic clashes between the Fulani and farmers to separatist movements such as the Boko Haram. Digital media platforms have been increasingly used to propagate false or distorted information, which has exacerbated the development of these conflicts. While the Nigerian government has taken steps to control online information providers’ activities, questions about this regulation's effectiveness and how it can be strengthened remain largely unanswered. This study aims to analyse the effect of information spread on national conflict in Nigeria by examining the relationship between fake news, misinformation, disinformation and national conflict. This study employed a quantitative method. Data was collected through a survey; questionnaires were distributed to digital users via Google Forms. SEM-PLS were utilised to analyse the data. The results of this study show that the spread of fake news, misinformation and disinformation escalates national conflicts. The study recommends that it is necessary to strengthen government regulations concerning online activities and to develop better methods of tackling misinformation and disinformation in Nigeria. Finally, the study seeks to inform and inspire further research on the effect of media consumption, information spread, and national conflict in Nigeria.