Social media misinformation is likely to worsen as Fiji moves closer to the next general election, says the National Federation Party leader and former deputy prime minister Professor Biman Prasad.
Speaking on The Fiji Times online portal The Lens@177, Prof Prasad said the trend was consistent with what was happening in many countries around the world.
“That is quite possible, that is what happens in most countries,” he said.
He warned that advances in artificial intelligence and the manipulation of online content were making it easier to spread disinformation.
“The vitriolic nature of attacks with AI, with doctoring of information, creating disinformation, this will continue because some people think that creates a big public opinion.”
However, Prof Prasad argued that those driving much of the online abuse represented only a small segment of the population.
While acknowledging that fake news could influence some voters, particularly during critical moments close to polling day, he said most Fijians were sensible enough to distinguish fact from fiction.
“It will get worse. It will distract a lot of political parties. Some of them will spend more money.”
Despite the growth of social media, Prof Prasad maintained that traditional journalism remained the most trusted source of information.
“I think the role of mainstream media in the political campaign and the way information is disseminated can change that game.
“Social media cannot replace the mainstream media and that’s a good thing.”
He urged the public not to be misled by online misinformation, saying many of those spreading hate speech, racial attacks and fake news had little interest in Fiji’s welfare or national unity.
