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UNIRAZAK Library Pustaka
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| Abstract : UNIRAZAK Library |
| The ascendency of social media as a source of information has made it possible for the rapid free flow of data, which unfortunately also includes vast amount of false narratives or misinformation. This development has raised global concern including in Malaysia, over the spread of deceptive information online and its potential to influence public opinion and disrupt societal harmony. Consequently, deliberately misleading or false information published online poses a significant threat to democratic discourse, social cohesion, and public security, especially in a multi-cultural and multi-religious country like Malaysia. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the impact of perception, knowledge and utilization of social media platforms on the behaviours of Malaysians towards political misinformation. The research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing a standardized questionnaire to collect data from 429 participants. The questionnaire was developed to assess the independent variables (perception of political misinformation, knowledge of political misinformation and social media influence) and the dependent variable (behaviour towards political misinformation). The data collected was then analysed using SPSS software, descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistics, specifically focusing on correlation and regression analysis. The findings reveal significant positive correlations between both the independent and dependent variables and thus prove the hypothesis of this research paper. Overall, this study has shed light on the critical role that perception, knowledge, and the influence of social media play in shaping Malaysian social media users' behaviour towards political misinformation. The insights provided by this study are a step toward understanding the complex dynamics of misinformation, but there remains much work to be done to ensure that online spaces are sources of reliable and accurate information. As misinformation continues to evolve with the digital landscape, so too must the strategies for combating it. The implications and recommendations provided in this research offer a foundation for future studies and interventions aimed at curbing political misinformation in the ever-changing digital world. |
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