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CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS

4.1 Introduction

This chapter presents, analyses and interprets findings according to the study objectives. It contains the response rate, demographic information of respondents, findings according to objectives of the study and research hypotheses. Results on objectives and hypotheses are presented using descriptive and inferential statistics.

4.2 Response Rate

Thirty (30) questionnaires were distributed to respondents and Out of the 30 questionnaires, one hundred percent were returned fully completed, giving a response rate of 100%.

Table 4.1: Response Rate

Instrument	Target Response	Actual Response	Response Rate
Questionnaires	30	30	100
Total

Source: Primary Data 2025

The findings from the table above indicate that the percentage of the returned questionnaires was 100%. This findings therefore according to Amin, (2005) indicate that the response rate was good and therefore the study could be conducted since the response rate was above 70%.

 

 

4.3 Demographic Information of Respondents

The researcher sought out to collect demographic information about the respondents. This information was about gender, age, department of employee, education level and duration one worked

4.3.1 Gender of respondents

The researcher requested the respondents to indicate their gender, and this was intended to find out whether the sample size was a fair representation of the population. The response was presented in Table 4.3

Table 4.3: Gender of respondents

Gender	Frequency	Percentage
Male	19	62
Female	11	38
Total	30	100

 

Source: Primary Data 2025

The findings from the study revealed that out of the 30 respondents, 19 were male, accounting for 62% of the total sample, while 11 were female, representing 38%. This indicates a higher participation of male respondents compared to females. The gender disparity in the sample may reflect the actual gender distribution in the study population or could be indicative of gender dynamics within the context of the research setting. For instance, if the study focused on a professional or organizational environment where males are the dominant workforce, this outcome would be expected. Additionally, societal and cultural factors may influence the level of female participation in certain sectors or activities, which in turn affects their representation in research studies.

4.3.2 Findings on the age category of respondents

Age of the respondents was stratified into three strata, that is: 20-30years, 31-40, 41 and above years. This was aimed at ensuring that all age groups are represented in the sample, and to find out how age influence variables under investigation and the results were presented in Table 4.4.

Table 4.4: Findings on the age category of respondents

Age category of respondents	Frequency	Percentage
20-30 years	10	34
31-40 years	14	47
41 and above	6	19
Total	30	100

Source: primary data 2025

The findings revealed a varied age distribution among the respondents, with the majority falling within the age bracket of 31–40 years, accounting for 47% (n=14) of the total sample. This indicates that middle-aged individuals comprised the dominant demographic group in the study. Respondents within this age group are likely to be at a relatively stable stage in their careers and personal lives, which may enhance their reliability and experience in responding to the research questions, especially in studies involving workplace practices, service delivery, or community perceptions, the 20–30 years’ age group represented 34% (n=10) of the participants. This segment likely includes younger adults who may be early in their careers or recently involved in professional or community roles. Their inclusion provides valuable insight into how younger individuals perceive and engage with the subject under investigation, possibly reflecting new trends, perspectives, or challenges faced by emerging professionals or youth in society.

Respondents aged 41 years and above made up the smallest proportion, constituting 19% (n=6). Although fewer in number, this group contributes mature viewpoints shaped by extensive life and work experiences. Their insights are essential for understanding long-term trends, historical context, and more established opinions regarding the topic.

Table 4.5: Educational level of Respondents

Findings from the table below shows the education level of respondents

Figure 4.1: Educational level of respondents

Source: Primary Data 2025

The educational background of respondents is a critical demographic variable, as it often influences individuals’ perspectives, decision-making abilities, and engagement in professional or community-based activities. The data presented in figure above indicates that a majority of the respondents possessed qualifications at the diploma level (40%), followed by those with bachelor’s degrees (27%). This distribution suggests a relatively well-educated population, with over two-thirds (67%) of the participants holding at least a diploma qualification.

Notably, 13% of the respondents held only a certificate, indicating a foundational level of post-secondary education. While this group represents a minority, their participation is essential in understanding the views of individuals with more practical or vocational training. Similarly, 13% had attained a postgraduate diploma, reflecting a continued pursuit of academic and professional development beyond the first degree level.

Only 7% of respondents had achieved a master’s degree, representing the smallest proportion among the educational categories. This may be attributed to limited access to graduate-level education or professional requirements in the field of study. However, their advanced academic training could provide a more theoretical and strategic perspective relevant to the subject of the study. The educational distribution indicates that the majority of participants are equipped with at least intermediate academic qualifications (diploma and above), which is advantageous in terms of their ability to understand and meaningfully respond to the research questions. This educational diversity also enriches the study by incorporating insights from individuals with different levels of academic exposure, ranging from technical and vocational training to advanced academic research and critical thinking.

4.3.4 Duration of employment

Respondents were asked to reveal their job category, and this was intended to find out whether the sample was a fair representation of the population.  Findings were as in figure 4.2

Figure 4.2: Duration of employment

Duration	Frequency	Percentage
less than one year	3	10
1-2 years	5	17
3-5 years	9	30
6 years plus	13	43
Total	30	100

Source : Primary Data

The study sought to understand the duration of experience among respondents, as this can influence their perceptions, competence, and insights into the subject under investigation. The findings, as shown in the table, indicate that a significant proportion of respondents (43%) had been in their respective roles or engagements for six years or more. This group, comprising 13 out of 30 respondents, represents the most experienced segment and suggests that the study drew data from individuals with substantial long-term exposure and practical understanding of their operational environments, Additionally, 30% of respondents had worked for 3 to 5 years, while 17% had 1 to 2 years of experience. Only 10% of the respondents had been involved for less than one year. The distribution shows that the majority of the participants (73%) had over three years of experience, indicating a well-informed respondent base with the potential to provide reliable and context-rich information.

This trend implies that the data collected is likely to reflect deeper, experience-based insights rather than short-term or superficial views. Furthermore, the dominance of long-serving respondents enhances the credibility and relevance of the study findings, especially in areas requiring operational understanding, institutional memory, or professional judgment. It also suggests that the sampled population was appropriate for the objectives of the research, which likely required informed perspectives based on sustained exposure to the phenomena under investigation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Objective one: To investigate the level and nature of misinformation and fake news circulating on social media platforms in Somalia.

 

The level and nature of misinformation and fake news circulating on social media platforms in Somalia.	strongly disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
I frequently encounter news on social media that I later find out to be false or misleading.	1  (3.3%)	2 (6.7%)	4 (13.3%)	14 (46.7%)	9 (30)
Fake news spreads faster and more widely on social media than accurate, fact-based news.	3 (10%)	3 (10%)	2 (6.7%)	8 (26.7%)	14 (46.7%)
Social media platforms contribute significantly to the circulation of politically or financially motivated misinformation.	3 (10%)	3 (10%)	2 (6.7%)	8 (26.7)	14 (46.7%)
I find it difficult to distinguish between real and fake news when using social media.	3 (10%)	3 (10%)	4 (13.3%)	10 (33.3%)	10 (33.3%)
There is a need for automated systems or tools to detect and prevent the spread of fake news on social media.	5 (16.7%)	5 (16.7%)	4 (13.3%)	6 (20%)	10 (33.3%)

Source : primary data

To begin with, a significant majority of respondents (76.7%) agreed or strongly agreed that they frequently encounter news on social media that later turns out to be false or misleading. This high percentage strongly indicates that misinformation is a common occurrence in users’ digital experiences, thus reflecting a considerable level of exposure to fake news. Only a small minority (9.9%) disagreed, suggesting that fake or misleading content is not just sporadic but rather a recurring issue on these platforms.

Further, 73.4% of participants either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that fake news spreads faster and more widely than accurate, fact-based news. This aligns with global research findings (e.g., Vosoughi et al., 2018) which reveal that emotionally charged, misleading, or sensational content tends to travel faster across networks than truthful information. This pattern exacerbates the misinformation problem, particularly in politically unstable or conflict-affected regions like Somalia, where information verification infrastructure is often weak or inaccessible.

Another important aspect revealed by the data is the perceived role of social media platforms in promoting politically or financially motivated misinformation. A combined 73.4% of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that these platforms significantly contribute to the spread of such content. This aligns with existing literature that identifies disinformation campaigns driven by political agendas, extremist propaganda, or fraudulent financial schemes, which are often amplified by the algorithmic nature of social media (Allcott & Gentzkow, 2017).

Equally significant is the difficulty users face in distinguishing real from fake news. Two-thirds of the respondents (66.6%) admitted that they find it challenging to tell the difference between authentic and misleading content on social media. This suggests a gap in digital literacy and points to the effectiveness of deceptive content design, which often mimics credible formats to manipulate public opinion.

Lastly, the need for technical solutions was also underscored. More than half of the respondents (53.3%) agreed or strongly agreed that there is a need for automated systems or tools to detect and prevent the spread of fake news. However, 33.4% either disagreed or strongly disagreed, implying some skepticism about the reliability or desirability of such interventions. This calls for further inquiry into users’ trust in technological solutions and concerns related to censorship or freedom of expression.

Objective two: To determine the role of social media in amplifying and spreading false information in Somalia

The role of social media in amplifying and spreading false information	strongly disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
Social media platforms are more likely to spread false information than traditional news sources due to their lack of editorial oversight.	1 (3.3%)	6 (20%)	7 (23.3%)	12 (40%)	4 (13.3%)
Emotionally charged content on social media increases the likelihood of misinformation being shared and believed	4 (13.3%)	3 (10%)	3 (10%)	10 (33.3%)	10 (33.35)
The design and algorithms of social media platforms significantly contribute to the rapid spread of fake news.	1 (3.3%)	2 (6.7%)	4 (13.3%)	9 (30%)	14 (46.7%)
Exposure to politically biased or misleading information on social media influences users’ beliefs and decision-making.	2 (6.7%)	5 (16.7%)	9 (30%)	14 (46.7%)	30 (100)
Media literacy education and fact-checking tools are effective in reducing the spread of misinformation on social media platforms.	2 (6.7%)	8 (26.7%)	9 (30%)	10 (33.3%)	1 (3.3%)

Source : Primary Data

 

A key statement in the survey posited that social media platforms are more likely to spread false information than traditional news sources due to their lack of editorial oversight. The findings show that a majority of respondents (53.3%) agreed or strongly agreed with this assertion, while only 23.3% disagreed, and 23.3% remained neutral. This reflects a growing public awareness that the absence of gatekeeping mechanisms—such as professional editors, verification standards, and institutional accountability—makes social media especially vulnerable to misinformation.

When asked about the influence of emotionally charged content, 66.6% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that such content significantly increases the likelihood of misinformation being shared and believed. This aligns with prior studies (e.g., Vosoughi et al., 2018) that highlight the virality of false content, particularly when it evokes strong emotional reactions such as fear, anger, or outrage. The emotionally reactive nature of users can lead to impulsive sharing without verification, thus further intensifying the spread.

Moreover, a substantial 76.7% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the design and algorithms of social media platforms significantly contribute to the rapid spread of fake news. These algorithms prioritize engagement and visibility based on user interaction rather than accuracy, inadvertently promoting sensational or misleading content. This finding supports the theoretical view that technological affordances and algorithmic curation are not neutral but can amplify falsehoods over factual reporting.

The statement regarding politically biased or misleading content on social media influencing users’ beliefs and decision-making received overwhelming agreement, with 76.7% of participants endorsing it. This suggests that misinformation on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter has real-world implications for political polarization, public opinion formation, and potentially, societal conflict in Somalia’s fragile governance context.

Finally, when assessing the effectiveness of media literacy education and fact-checking tools in reducing misinformation, responses were more mixed. Only 36.6% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, while 33.4% disagreed, and 30% were neutral. This suggests skepticism among the public about the efficacy or visibility of current interventions. It may reflect limited access to such tools, low awareness, or the perceived dominance of misleading content even in the presence of countermeasures, the data clearly demonstrate that social media is widely perceived as a major driver of misinformation in Somalia. Factors such as lack of editorial oversight, emotionally driven sharing behavior, and platform algorithms contribute significantly to this trend. However, while there is some recognition of the potential role of education and fact-checking in mitigating the issue, confidence in these solutions appears limited. These insights highlight the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, platform accountability, and public education to combat the misinformation epidemic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Objective three; To assess the impact of misinformation on Somali society, including political stability, public opinion, and social cohesion.

 

To assess the impact of misinformation on Somali society, including political stability, public opinion, and social cohesion.	strongly disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
Misinformation on social media has significantly undermined political stability in Somalia by spreading false or polarizing narratives.	strongly disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
False information shared online has led to widespread confusion and mistrust among the Somali public toward official government communications.	1 (3.3%)	7  (23.3%)	9 (30%)	9 (30%)	4 (13.3%)
Exposure to misinformation has contributed to increased political polarization and weakened national unity in Somali society.	2 (6.7%)	4 (13.3%)	8 (26.7%)	16 (53.3%)	–
Misinformation campaigns targeting public figures and institutions have negatively shaped public opinion and eroded trust in leadership.	3(10%)	3 (10%)	15 (50%)	9 (30%)	–
The frequent spread of fake news on social media platforms has damaged social cohesion by fostering ethnic, political, or religious tensions within Somali communities.	3 (10%)	1 (3.35)	6 (20%)	15 (50%)	5 (16.7%)

Source : Primary Data

This objective sought to evaluate the broader societal consequences of misinformation within the Somali context, with particular focus on political stability, public opinion, and social cohesion. The findings from the survey responses provide critical insights into the extent to which misinformation has infiltrated and influenced Somali society.

The statement “Misinformation on social media has significantly undermined political stability in Somalia by spreading false or polarizing narratives” was met with general agreement among participants, with many respondents acknowledging the destabilizing effects of unverified and emotionally charged content shared online. The responses suggest a perceived link between social media misinformation and the erosion of political calm, as false narratives may contribute to inciting fear, misinterpretation of government actions, or civil unrest.

Furthermore, the statement “False information shared online has led to widespread confusion and mistrust among the Somali public toward official government communications” garnered substantial support, with a combined 73.3% of respondents expressing agreement or strong agreement. This reflects a growing disconnect between the government and its citizens, where repeated exposure to unverified content has likely diminished the credibility of state institutions. When the public frequently encounters contradictory or fabricated information online, trust in formal communication channels can be severely weakened.

Regarding the influence of misinformation on political polarization and national unity, the statement “Exposure to misinformation has contributed to increased political polarization and weakened national unity in Somali society” received agreement from a majority (53.3%). This suggests that misinformation may be deepening divisions across political or ideological lines. By creating echo chambers and reinforcing biased perspectives, misinformation can exacerbate societal rifts, making consensus and national solidarity increasingly difficult to achieve.

Similarly, 30% of respondents agreed and 50% remained neutral on the notion that “Misinformation campaigns targeting public figures and institutions have negatively shaped public opinion and eroded trust in leadership.” This significant neutral stance may indicate that while many recognize the issue, there is some uncertainty or variability in the perceived direct impact. Nonetheless, the presence of misinformation targeting leaders may still play a substantial role in delegitimizing authority figures and weakening institutional confidence.

Finally, the survey statement “The frequent spread of fake news on social media platforms has damaged social cohesion by fostering ethnic, political, or religious tensions within Somali communities” received high agreement levels (66.7% combining “Agree” and “Strongly Agree”), confirming that misinformation is not only a political problem but also a social one. False narratives can inflame sensitive divisions and potentially provoke hostility, alienation, or even violence between different communities, the analysis confirms that misinformation in Somalia has had a tangible and adverse impact on political stability, public opinion, and social cohesion. The widespread distribution of fake news has contributed to political instability, undermined trust in governmental institutions, fuelled public confusion, and deepened ethnic and ideological divisions. These findings underscore the need for coordinated interventions by government bodies, civil society, and media regulators to counter misinformation, promote digital literacy, and rebuild trust in public institutions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Introduction

This chapter comprises of discussion of findings, conclusions and recommendations.

5.1 Discussion

This section presents discussion inline with study objectives.

5.1.1 Level and nature of misinformation and fake news circulating on social media platforms in Somalia.

The findings from this study reveal a compelling and concerning picture of the nature and extent of misinformation circulating on social media platforms within the Somali context, a significant majority of respondents acknowledged that they frequently encounter news on social media which later proves to be false or misleading. This high percentage underscores the pervasive presence of misinformation in the digital environment and highlights the routine exposure of users to inaccurate content. It indicates that fake news is not a peripheral issue but a persistent and normalized part of online experiences in Somalia, this view was also in line with Hall, (2018), who assert that as an increasing amount of our lives is spent interacting online through social media platforms, more and more people tend to seek out and consume news from social media rather than traditional news organizations. The reasons for this change in consumption behaviors are inherent in the nature of these social media platforms.

The study results also further indicate that majority of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that fake news tends to spread more rapidly and broadly than accurate, fact-based information. This pattern supports existing global research, such as the study by Firth et al., (2019), who asserts that that false news spreads significantly faster on social media due to its often sensational, emotionally charged, or controversial nature. In a fragile state like Somalia marked by political instability, low media regulation, and limited access to verification tools this trend can have particularly damaging implications, such as the rapid dissemination of harmful rumors, incitement to violence, or manipulation of public perception.

The findings further indicate that the perception that social media platforms themselves play a role in amplifying politically or financially motivated misinformation is prominent. A combined majority of respondents believed that these platforms contribute significantly to the spread of such content, this supports findings from Alnazzawi et al., (2022) who asserts that Fake news intentionally persuades consumers to accept biased or false beliefs, more to that Allcott and Gentzkow (2017), who argues that social media algorithms are often engineered to prioritize engagement rather than accuracy, inadvertently promoting disinformation campaigns that serve specific political or economic interests. This situation becomes more critical in conflict-prone regions like Somalia, where disinformation can deepen divisions, exacerbate tensions, and destabilize governance efforts.

A key challenge also revealed in the findings is the difficulty many users face in distinguishing between real and fake news. Two-thirds of the respondents admitted that they struggle to differentiate between authentic and misleading content on social media. This points to a serious gap in digital and media literacy among users and highlights the sophisticated nature of fake news, which often imitates the visual and linguistic characteristics of legitimate news sources to deceive audiences. The inability to discern truth from falsehood increases the vulnerability of the public to manipulation and can significantly hinder informed civic participation.

Finally, the survey explored the potential for technical interventions to mitigate misinformation. While more than half of the respondents’ majority supported the use of automated tools or systems to detect and prevent fake news, a notable majority of respondents expressed reservations. This reveals a level of skepticism or concern among users regarding the reliability of such technologies and the potential for unintended consequences, such as censorship or infringement on freedom of expression. This ambivalence highlights the need for a balanced approach that combines technological innovation with transparency, user education, and ethical safeguards.

5.1.2 To determine the role of social media in amplifying and spreading false information in Somalia.

The study provides compelling insights into how social media platforms are perceived in relation to the spread of misinformation in Somalia. The data indicate a significant public concern regarding the reliability of information on these platforms, especially when compared to traditional news sources. More than half of the respondents acknowledged that the lack of editorial oversight on social media makes them more susceptible to misinformation, this view was also in line with Kamau (2019) who argues that the production of false information is often motivated by financial, political, or social gains. Misinformation is strategically crafted to manipulate public perception, promote political agendas, or sow confusion, frequently proving profitable for online publishers, this perception underscores a critical structural flaw in digital information dissemination: the absence of institutional checks, such as fact-checking, editorial review, and accountability standards that are typically found in conventional media systems.

The finding aligns with the broader discourse in media studies, where scholars have pointed out that social media’s decentralized and user-generated nature creates fertile ground for the unchecked spread of falsehoods. Unlike newspapers or television stations, social media platforms allow anyone to publish information instantly, often without verification, this is also inline with Julie Posetti (2018) who observes that fake news is sometimes used to discredit reputable journalism from opposing political viewpoints a tactic known as “lying press.” This form of misinformation, prevalent on social media, also infiltrates mainstream outlets, this democratic access to publication, while empowering in many respects, also comes with the risk of widespread misinformation, especially in countries like Somalia, where regulatory and technological safeguards are weak or underdeveloped.

The study results further indicates that emotionally charged content emerged strongly from the data, with majority of respondents recognizing its influence in accelerating the spread of false information. This reflects behavioral tendencies identified in prior research, such as Zhou et al. (2019) argue that social media is an ideal conduit for fake news due to its ability to eliminate geographical barriers and facilitate easy sharing, commenting, and discussion, In Somalia’s context where socio-political tensions are often high such emotionally driven sharing may exacerbate divisions, mistrust, and even violence.

The study further highlights the impact of platform algorithms, with majority of respondents agreeing that these algorithms contribute to the rapid circulation of misinformation. Social media platforms are designed to maximize user engagement, and in doing so, often promote sensational or controversial content regardless of its accuracy. This design flaw suggests that the issue is not solely about user behavior but also about the structural and commercial priorities of the platforms themselves. In fragile states like Somalia, where digital literacy is low and regulatory frameworks are weak, such algorithmic amplification can have especially harmful effects, distorting public discourse and undermining efforts at national cohesion and peacebuilding, this view was also inline with vosoughi et al. (2018) who asserts that fake news broadly as false claims, statements, or posts about public figures and organizations. This definition prioritizes factual accuracy over intent, aligning with most existing research and fact-checking platforms, which verify content without assessing motivations, Wolf (2016) suggests that the goal of fake news is not necessarily to convince audiences of its truthfulness but to erode trust in professional journalism and create alternative “facts.” Politicians often exploit this tactic to evade scrutiny. Advanced technology and loosely regulated social media platforms enable the manipulation of audio and video, making fabricated content appear authentic and facilitating its rapid dissemination.

The study results indicate that majority of respondents acknowledged the influence of politically biased or misleading content on shaping beliefs and decisions. This finding is critical, as it illustrates how misinformation on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter can have real-world political consequences fuelling polarization, influencing electoral choices, and even destabilizing already fragile governance structures. In Somalia’s fragmented political environment, such influence can deepen clan-based divisions and escalate tensions, ultimately threatening national stability.

Interestingly, the responses concerning the effectiveness of media literacy and fact-checking tools were less conclusive. Only a few respondents agreed that these tools help reduce misinformation, while the rest either disagreed or were neutral. This scepticism may be attributed to several factors: limited reach or accessibility of these tools, a lack of awareness, or the overwhelming presence of misinformation that outpaces corrective efforts. It suggests that while these interventions have theoretical potential, their practical implementation in Somalia remains inadequate.

5.1.3 To assess the impact of misinformation on Somali society, including political stability, public opinion, and social cohesion.

The findings of this study illuminate the multifaceted and detrimental effects of misinformation disseminated through social media platforms on Somali society, the assertion that “misinformation on social media has significantly undermined political stability in Somalia by spreading false or polarizing narratives” was met with widespread agreement among respondents. This widespread consensus suggests that misinformation is not merely a peripheral concern, but a core factor influencing political instability in the country, this finding was also inline with Kamau (2019) argues that the production of false information is often motivated by financial, political, or social gains. Misinformation is strategically crafted to manipulate public perception, promote political agendas, or sow confusion, frequently proving profitable for online publishers. Kamau also notes the increasing sophistication in the spread of fake news, the propagation of emotionally charged and factually inaccurate content can amplify tensions, incite fear, and distort the public’s understanding of government actions. Such conditions are ripe for fueling unrest and undermining the legitimacy of state authority.

Support for the statement that “false information shared online has led to widespread confusion and mistrust among the Somali public toward official government communications” was also robust, with majority of respondents in agreement. This indicates a serious credibility crisis for governmental institutions. As citizens are repeatedly exposed to conflicting or fabricated narratives online, they may become desensitized to or skeptical of official messaging, regardless of its accuracy. This erosion of trust hampers the government’s ability to communicate effectively, especially during times of crisis, and creates a vacuum where conspiracy theories and harmful propaganda can thrive.

In examining political polarization, the agreement with the statement “exposure to misinformation has contributed to increased political polarization and weakened national unity in Somali society” (53.3%) highlights another alarming consequence. Misinformation fosters echo chambers where individuals are insulated from differing perspectives and instead consume content that reinforces their existing biases. In Somalia’s fragile political environment, such divisions can rapidly escalate into broader national discord, making governance, peacebuilding, and collective progress more challenging.

The response to the claim that “misinformation campaigns targeting public figures and institutions have negatively shaped public opinion and eroded trust in leadership” was more varied, with 30% agreeing and 50% remaining neutral. This ambivalence may reflect the complexity of attributing shifts in public opinion solely to misinformation, or it may suggest that while the phenomenon is acknowledged, its exact scope remains uncertain to many. Nonetheless, targeted disinformation undermines leadership credibility and weakens institutional resilience, further complicating efforts to maintain political coherence and national development.

Most notably, the assertion that “the frequent spread of fake news on social media platforms has damaged social cohesion by fostering ethnic, political, or religious tensions within Somali communities” garnered a strong consensus, with 66.7% agreement. This supports the view that misinformation is not only a political disruptor but also a catalyst for societal fragmentation. In a context where ethnic and religious identities are deeply rooted and sometimes contested, false narratives can incite conflict, deepen mistrust between communities, and threaten the fragile threads of national unity.

5.2 Conclusion

In summary, the findings emphasize that misinformation on social media is a serious and systemic problem in Somalia, deeply affecting how people access, interpret, and respond to information. The data illustrate both the scope of the problem and the challenges in addressing it from user vulnerability and platform dynamics to the complexities of regulation and trust in digital tools. A multi-pronged strategy that incorporates digital literacy education, platform accountability, and culturally sensitive policy interventions is essential to mitigate the effects of misinformation and strengthen the informational resilience of Somali society.

In sum, the study reveals that social media is widely perceived as a primary conduit for misinformation in Somalia, driven by the absence of editorial oversight, the virality of emotionally charged content, and the algorithmic promotion of engagement over truth. Although educational and corrective mechanisms like media literacy and fact-checking are recognized to some extent, they have not yet gained public trust or demonstrated significant impact. These findings highlight the urgent need for a multi-stakeholder response that includes stronger regulatory policies, enhanced platform accountability, investment in media literacy, and the development of locally relevant fact-checking initiatives. Addressing these issues is essential for safeguarding the integrity of public discourse and supporting Somalia’s broader political and social development.

In conclusion, the data collectively demonstrate that misinformation in Somalia is a pervasive and destabilizing force. It undermines political stability, erodes trust in public institutions, fuels public confusion, and deepens divisions within society. These findings emphasize the urgent need for multi-pronged interventions involving government authorities, civil society organizations, media practitioners, and digital platforms. Strategies should include digital literacy education, fact-checking initiatives, clear communication from credible sources, and stronger regulatory oversight of online content. Only through a concerted national effort can Somalia begin to mitigate the far-reaching impacts of misinformation and rebuild the foundations of trust, unity, and political stability.

5.3 Recommendations

The government, in partnership with civil society and educational institutions, should develop and integrate digital literacy into national curricula and community outreach programs. These efforts should aim to equip citizens with the critical thinking skills necessary to identify, assess, and respond to misinformation, particularly on social media platforms.

Support should be directed toward the creation and capacity-building of independent, locally-rooted fact-checking organizations. These entities must be culturally and linguistically relevant, widely accessible, and capable of swiftly verifying viral content , especially during politically sensitive periods.

Social media platforms operating in Somalia must be held accountable for the content they host. Authorities should collaborate with these companies to ensure the development and enforcement of content moderation policies that balance freedom of expression with the need to curb harmful misinformation.

A clear and enforceable legal framework should be established to guide the regulation of digital content. This framework must safeguard human rights, define responsibilities for online platforms, and enable the swift removal or correction of harmful false information, particularly content inciting violence or undermining public order.

Tackling misinformation requires a coordinated approach. Government agencies, technology companies, NGOs, media outlets, and community leaders should form a collaborative network to jointly monitor, respond to, and educate the public about misinformation trends and threats.

Government bodies and trusted institutions should invest in robust communication strategies, utilizing social media to disseminate accurate, timely, and accessible information. This will help fill the information vacuum often exploited by purveyors of misinformation, ongoing academic and institutional research should be encouraged to map the evolution, drivers, and impact of misinformation in Somalia. This evidence base will inform more effective interventions and allow for data-driven policy adjustments over time.

Interventions must be culturally aware and community-specific to be effective. Messaging should be designed to resonate with Somali values, languages, and social norms, ensuring broader reach and acceptance among diverse populations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUESTIONNAIRE

Dear Respondent,

I am a student of Cavendish university pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, this questionnaire has been designed purposely for data collection on information systems and performance of government agencies. You have been carefully identified as a potential person who can provide useful and reliable data that will help policy makers and implementers to improve on “Misinformation and fake news in Somalia: assessing the role of social media in spreading disinformation”. The information generated will be handled with utmost confidentiality and will be used for academic purposes.

Section A:    Back ground information of the respondent

Please tick the most appropriate answer in the corresponding box

1. Gender : a)Male                    b)Female

 

 

2. Age: a) 20-30 years                    b) 31-40 years                c) 41+ years and above
3. What is your highest level of education?
4. Primary Level b) “O” level           c) Certificate            d) Diploma Level
5. e) Degree Level              f) Masters Degree            g) Post Graduate Diploma
6. How long have you worked for the organization?
7. a) Less than 1 year          b) 1-2 years              c) 3-5 years          d) 6+ years

 

 

 

 

 

Section B:       To investigate the level and nature of misinformation and fake news circulating on social media platforms in Somalia.

Please, use the scale below to answer the questions that follow by ticking the number that corresponds to your opinion.

5	4	3	2	1
Strongly Agree (SA)	Agree (A)	Neutral (N)	Disagree (D)	Strongly disagree (SD)

 

1. To investigate the level and nature of misinformation and fake news circulating on social media platforms in Somalia.

 

		5	4	3	2	1
6.	I frequently encounter news on social media that I later find out to be false or misleading.
7.	Fake news spreads faster and more widely on social media than accurate, fact-based news.
8.	Social media platforms contribute significantly to the circulation of politically or financially motivated misinformation.
9.	I find it difficult to distinguish between real and fake news when using social media.
10.	There is a need for automated systems or tools to detect and prevent the spread of fake news on social media.

 

1. To determine the role of social media in amplifying and spreading false information in Somalia.

11.	Social media platforms are more likely to spread false information than traditional news sources due to their lack of editorial oversight.
12.	Emotionally charged content on social media increases the likelihood of misinformation being shared and believed.
13.	The design and algorithms of social media platforms significantly contribute to the rapid spread of fake news.
14.	Exposure to politically biased or misleading information on social media influences users’ beliefs and decision-making.
15.	Media literacy education and fact-checking tools are effective in reducing the spread of misinformation on social media platforms.

 

 

III.  To assess the impact of misinformation on Somali society, including political stability, public opinion, and social cohesion.

 

16.	Misinformation on social media has significantly undermined political stability in Somalia by spreading false or polarizing narratives.	5	4	3	2	1
17.	False information shared online has led to widespread confusion and mistrust among the Somali public toward official government communications.
18.	Exposure to misinformation has contributed to increased political polarization and weakened national unity in Somali society.
19.	Misinformation campaigns targeting public figures and institutions have negatively shaped public opinion and eroded trust in leadership.
20.	The frequent spread of fake news on social media platforms has damaged social cohesion by fostering ethnic, political, or religious tensions within Somali communities.