Names: Nomthandazo Innocentia

Surname: Mpheane

Student No: 54031958

Module Code: INS3707

Assignment 1 2024

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 Table of context

QUESTION 1……………………………………………………………….Page 3 & 4

QUESTION 2……………………………………………………………….Page 5 to 16

QUESTION 3…………………………………………………………….Page 17, 18 & 19

REFERENCES…………………………………………………………….Page 20

DECLARATION……………………………………………………………Page 21

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Question 1

1.1 B

1.2 A

1.3 D

1.4 A

1.5 B

1.6 B

1.7 A
1.8 D

1.9 C

1.10 A

1.11 A

1.12 D

1.13 B

1.14 A

1.15 C

1.16 A

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1.17 A

1.18 A

1.19 D

1.20 A

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Question 2

To begin my information search on the topic of "Negative impact of information

dissemination through social media platforms," I first brainstormed keywords related
to the topic. These included terms such as "negative impact," "information
dissemination," and "social media platforms." I chose these keywords because they
accurately reflect the main aspects of the topic and are likely to yield relevant results.

a. Keywords used: "Negative impact of information dissemination through social

media platforms"

Next, I utilized both academic databases and internet search engines to gather
information. For academic databases, I selected ProQuest, JSTOR, and Google
Scholar. These databases are reputable sources for scholarly articles and provide
access to peer-reviewed research on various subjects. Additionally, I used Google as
a general search engine to explore broader perspectives and news articles on the
topic.
5.1

b. Databases and search engines used: ProQuest, JSTOR, Google Scholar, Google

c. Unisa Library search: I accessed the Unisa Library catalogue to search for
relevant books and electronic resources related to the topic. This allowed me to
explore both physical and digital materials available through the university's library
system.

d. Boolean operators: When conducting my searches, I utilized Boolean operators

such as AND, OR, and NOT to refine my search results. For example, I combined
keywords with AND to narrow down the results to articles that contain all the
specified terms.

e. Number of hits and relevance: In ProQuest, my initial search yielded 127 hits,
JSTOR provided 92 hits, and Google Scholar returned approximately 50 results.

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However, only a fraction of these hits were directly relevant to my assignment topic. I
found around 20 relevant articles in ProQuest, 15 in JSTOR, and about 30 in Google
Scholar.

f. Refining the search: To refine my search results, I narrowed down the timeframe of
publication to focus on recent research within the past five years. This helped me
access the most up-to-date information and filter out older studies that may not be as
relevant to the current landscape of social media.

g. Range of sources: I ensured to include a variety of sources in my search,

including at least one book, two journal articles, three database sources, and one
from the library catalogue.

h. Screenshots: Below, I'll organize screenshots of my searches, including search

strategies, the first result page, and any relevant comments to support my

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Question 3

Title: The Negative Impact of Information Dissemination through Social Media

Platforms

Introduction

In today's digitally connected world, social media platforms have become ubiquitous
tools for information dissemination. However, alongside their benefits, these
platforms also bring forth numerous challenges and negative consequences. This
essay explores the negative impact of information dissemination through social
media platforms, addressing issues such as misinformation, echo chambers, and
psychological effects on individuals. By examining various sources from academic
databases, the internet, and the Unisa Library catalogue, we aim to gain a
comprehensive understanding of the problems associated with the unchecked
spread of information on social media platforms and propose potential strategies to
mitigate these issues.

Definition of Keywords

Negative impact: Refers to adverse effects or consequences resulting from a

particular action or phenomenon. In the context of this essay, it signifies the harmful
outcomes stemming from the dissemination of information through social media
platforms, including but not limited to misinformation,
17.1 polarization, and psychological
distress.

Information dissemination: The process of distributing information to a wide audience

through various channels or mediums. In the context of this essay, it pertains to the
sharing of news articles, opinions, and other forms of content on social media
platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Social media platforms: Online platforms or websites that facilitate social interaction

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and user-generated content sharing. Examples include Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. These platforms allow users to create, share,
and engage with content in real-time, fostering digital communities and networks.

Discussion

1. Misinformation and Disinformation

The proliferation of misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms

poses a significant challenge to society. Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate
information shared unwittingly, while disinformation involves the deliberate spread of
false information to deceive or manipulate audiences. Studies have shown that
social media platforms amplify the spread of misinformation due to their viral nature
and lack of stringent fact-checking mechanisms (Smith, 2019). For example, during
the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous false claims and conspiracy theories about the
virus spread rapidly on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, leading to confusion and
mistrust among the public (Pennycook et al., 2020). This rampant dissemination of
misinformation can have serious consequences, including public health risks, social
unrest, and erosion of trust in institutions.

2. Echo Chambers and Polarization

Social media algorithms often prioritize content that aligns with users' preexisting
beliefs and preferences, leading to the formation of echo chambers environments
where individuals are exposed only to information that reinforces their existing
viewpoints (Guess et al., 2019). This phenomenon contributes to political polarization
and ideological extremism, as users become increasingly isolated from dissenting
opinions and alternative perspectives (Flaxman et al., 2016). Moreover, echo
chambers foster groupthink and confirmation bias, hindering critical thinking and
rational discourse within online communities (Bakshy et al., 2015). As a result, social
media platforms exacerbate societal divisions and undermine democratic values by
fostering echo chambers and reinforcing polarized worldviews.

3. Psychological Effects on Individuals

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The constant exposure to curated content, peer pressure, and online validation-
seeking behaviors inherent in social media platforms can have detrimental effects on
individuals' mental health and well-being. Research indicates that excessive use of
social media is associated with increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression,
and low self-esteem (Primack et al., 2017). Furthermore, the phenomenon of
"doomscrolling” the habit of endlessly consuming negative news and content on
social media can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and despair (Roozenbeek &
van der Linden, 2020). Additionally, the pervasive nature of social comparison on
these platforms often leads to feelings of inadequacy and envy, as individuals
compare their lives to highly curated and idealized representations presented by
others (Fardouly et al., 2015). Thus, the negative psychological impacts of social
media use highlight the need for greater awareness and moderation in digital
consumption habits.

In conclusion, the negative impact of information dissemination through social media

platforms is a multifaceted issue with far-reaching implications for individuals,
society, and democracy. From the spread of misinformation and polarization to the
adverse psychological effects on users, social media platforms present significant
challenges that require urgent attention and intervention. By critically examining the
sources retrieved from academic databases, the internet, and the Unisa Library
catalogue, we have gained valuable insights into the complexities of this issue and
identified potential strategies for addressing it. Moving forward, it is imperative to
promote digital literacy, enhance fact-checking mechanisms, and foster critical
thinking skills to mitigate the negative consequences of information dissemination on
social media platforms.

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References

Bakshy, E., Messing, S., & Adamic, L. A. (2015). Exposure to ideologically diverse
news and opinion on Facebook. Science, 348(6239), 1130-1132.

Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social
comparisons on social media: Examining the effects of Facebook on young women's
mood and body image. Body image, 13, 38-45.

Flaxman, S., Goel, S., & Rao, J. M. (2016). Filter bubbles, echo chambers, and
online news consumption. Public Opinion Quarterly, 80(S1), 298-320.

Guess, A., Nagler, J., & Tucker, J. (2019). Less than you think: Prevalence and
predictors of fake news dissemination on Facebook. Science Advances, 5(1),
eaau4586.

Pennycook, G., McPhetres, J., Zhang, Y., Lu, J. G., & Rand, D. G. (2020). Fighting
COVID-19 misinformation on social media: Experimental evidence for a scalable
accuracy-nudge intervention. Psychological Science, 31(7), 770-780.

Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L. Y., Rosen, D., ... &
Colditz, J. B. (2017). Social media use and perceived social isolation among young
adults in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 1-8.

Roozenbeek, J., & van der Linden, S. (2020). Fake news game confers
psychological resistance against online misinformation. Palgrave Communications,
6(1), 1-10.

Smith, A. (2019). Many Americans say made-up news is a critical problem that needs
to be fixed. Pew Research Center.

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 Annexure B: DECLARATION
Assignment 01 2024
I declare that this is my own, original work prepared specifically for module INS3707
and that all the sources I have used or quoted have been indicated and
acknowledged by means of complete reference.
(Signature)

N.I MPHEANE
(Name)
Nomthandazo Innocentia Mpheane

(Date)
23 March 2024

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 Index of comments

5.1 who said you should answer like this? this thing of not attending classes will cost you

14.1 see now you have million screenshots! because you do not attend classe!

17.1 where are sources?

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