Disinformation on Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) A Content Analysis of News Published on Fact Checking Sites in India

  • Raj Kishore Patra Department of Mass Communication and Media Technology, Khallikote University, Berhampur - 761 008, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7586-8192
  • Neha Pandey Department of Mass Communication and Media Technology, Khallikote University, Berhampur - 761 008, India
Keywords: Novel coronavirus, COVID-19, Disinformation, Misinformation, Fact-checking, Information disorder, Media literacy, Social media, Pandemic

Abstract

This paper focuses on the spread of disinformation on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and creating the larger phenomena of information disorder. It analyses an array of definitional meaning and disinformation on COVID-19, which has been identified and grounded with valid information by the fact-checkers. The study’s aim is to explore and analyse the intents behind the circulation of misleading information (intended and unintended) on COVID-19. For the study, quantitative content analysis and qualitative discourse analysis methods were utilised to explore the extent of the misleading information on COVID-19. Further, in-depth interviews were conducted with fact-checkers, media professionals, academicians, and a psychologist to understand the purpose of disinformation and its impact on society at large. The study’s findings propose that fact-checking is a crucial method to identify fake/misleading information, which can be counter acted by accurate and verified information. This paper argues that holding journalists, fact-checkers, the Government, and the citizens’ accountable, is necessary to counter the threat of disinformation about the pandemic.

Published
2021-08-02
How to Cite
Patra, R., & Pandey, N. (2021). Disinformation on Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) A Content Analysis of News Published on Fact Checking Sites in India. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 41(4), 275-283. https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.41.4.16556