Open AccessDisinformation on Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) A Content Analysis of News Published on Fact Checking Sites in India
Author(s) -
Raj Kishore Patra,
Neha Pandey
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
desidoc journal of library and information technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.514
H-Index - 13
eISSN - 0976-4658
pISSN - 0974-0643
DOI - 10.14429/djlit.41.4.16556
Subject(s) - disinformation , pandemic , covid-19 , government (linguistics) , meaning (existential) , fake news , computer science , content analysis , political science , public relations , internet privacy , sociology , psychology , social media , world wide web , linguistics , medicine , social science , philosophy , disease , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , psychotherapist
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.