Social media,media freedom and misinformation: Challenges faced by journalists in the Middle East and North Africa during early COVID-19

Abstract

This study examines social media adoption among Arab journalists during the early pandemic by conducting (1) a large online survey (n = 1,443) representing 19 Arab countries and (2) structured interviews (n = 19) representing ten Arab countries. The results indicate that Arab journalists relied heavily on social media for information and topics during COVID-19. Facebook and WhatsApp platforms have done comparatively better in dealing with some COVID-19 misinformation. Interviewees highlight two key challenges when using social media: ‘media freedom’ and ‘misinformation’. While the former contributes evidence to the vulnerable position of Arab journalists, the latter is consistent with the challenges reported by journalists elsewhere.

Keywords

Arab journalism Arab news workers COVID-19 interviews investigative journalism media freedom misinformation social media

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