Authors : Ugochukwu, Chiemezie Chukwuka; Obiajulu Joel Nwolu; Nnabuife, Chika Onyinye

Volume/Issue : Volume 6 - 2021, Issue 11 - November

Google Scholar : http://bitly.ws/gu88

Scribd : https://bit.ly/3DGKu2N

Abstract : Social media have proven to possess humongous benefits in information dissemination and creation of awareness. Given the recent spike in the number of attacks perpetrated by armed groups viz-a-viz Boko Haram insurgence, banditry, kidnapping and most recently, the unknown gunmen in the South-East region of Nigeria, social media serves as veritable tool to create security awareness and consciousness. However, the growth of social media in Nigeria has birthed the emergence of fake news as a bane to its effective deployment for promoting security awareness. This study utilized Survey research method to obtain primary data from respondents while available literature served as secondary data. Technological Determinism theory and Disruptive Technology theory were used. The study found among other things that social media users spread fake information on social media to gain more followers; also people do not un-follow social media platforms for reporting fake stories or news. Fake news spread on social media creates panic and tension when rapidly shared by multiplicity of the audience. The researchers recommend among others that Government and security agencies should utilise social media to create security awareness among members of the public on how best to react to security challenges.