A survey conducted by Kaspersky revealed that users in South East Asia (SEA) region often share news without confirming its truthfulness.
With the social distancing order in last year, news consumption from mainstream media and other platforms including online have increased rapidly, even in region like South-East Asia. It is notable that online citizens from the SEA have a decent amount of news consumption through social media. This is proven by a recent Kaspersky study which revealed that majority (76%) of users in SEA get their news updates from platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more. The percentage is higher for Gen Z at 83%, followed by Millennials at 81%, Baby Boomers at 70%, and Gen X at 62%. However, not all users share news with verification its truthfulness.
As online misinformation remains a concern, the same survey of Kaspersky unmasked that almost 18% of respondents admitted to sharing news before verifying if they are true. Such is highest among Gen Z (28%), followed by Gen X (21%), and Boomers (19%). Millennials logged the lowest in this aspect at 16%.
Explanation of experts about why people share news without verifying its truthfulness
According to Beverly Leow, a psychologist at Mind What Matters, a reason for the low verification rates when it comes to sharing news online could be attributed to the self-presentation theory. That theory indicates the individual desires to present him/herself in a certain way. When users are sharing information without giving it any thought, it is quite likely that they are motivated by the prospect of presenting themselves as updated and well-informed netizens.
Social media presents us many different types of narratives. Sometimes a particular incident or event may have several conflicting narratives or versions, and verifying the truth of the matter or the validity of the information presented may be more time consuming and require more effort than hitting the “share” or “repost button.
Beverly Leow, psychologist at Mind What Matters.
This research of Kaspersky, done among 1,240 respondents with 831 from SEA, also found out that only 5-in-10 respondents across all generations said they read the full article before sharing it on their own account.
Southeast Asia internet users are approximately at 400 million with an additional 40 million people who were first-time internet users in 2020. The region is also known for being among the most active social media users. In fact, our survey showed 36% of users in SEA spend 1-2 hours more on these online platforms post-lockdown, 28% added 2-4 hours, and some 17% with 4-6 hours more being spent on socializing online.
Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.
Tips for avoiding fake news on the Internet
2020 was plagued with phishing emails, scams, and fake domains piggy backing on COVID-19 and now, even vaccines. This is why both individuals and businesses, with the current work-from-home format, should not take misinformation on social media lightly. With this pandemic being far from over, vigilance on information and links that we share is more than necessary.
Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.
The good news is awareness about misinformation online is showing signs of growth in the region. With 6-in-10 respondents across all generations said that they do check the sources of information or news being circulated on social media before clicking “Share”.
Boomers also lead the pack in confronting friends or family members who share fake news, based on their judgments, at 41%. They are followed by Millennials (27%) and Gen X (23%). Gen Z appears to be more modest at 19%.
Blocking is another way of users in SEA to protect themselves from misinformation. More than a quarter of the respondents admitted blocking contacts who share articles they deem as inaccurate. The percentage of silencing online friends is highest with Gen Z at 46%, followed by Boomers, Millennials, and Gen X with 33%, 32%, and 30%, respectively.
To help users protect themselves against cunning social engineering attacks on social media, Kaspersky experts suggest the following tips:
- Check the source. Be sure what you share is reliable.
- Break the loop.
- Don’t go too fast. Calm down and double check your information.
- Think about your digital footprint. Sharing is far more dangerous than you think.
- Secure your devices. Using security apps if they are needed.
