Social Media Misinformation in Europe and Africa: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

In an era of rapid digital transformation, social media has emerged as a dominant source of information and is also used for misinformation. This creates a significant challenge because misinformation can influence public perceptions and behaviours related to online security. As a result, this paper compared how misinformation spreads on social media in Europe and Africa. Exploring the key factors influencing misinformation dynamics, the role of regulatory frameworks, and the effectiveness of fact-checking initiatives in both regions. It also assessed deepfakes' role in strengthening the spread of misinformation. A systematic literature review was used to gain these insights, which included exploring social media's role in spreading misinformation. The results highlighted the need for awareness and exposed the threat posed by deepfakes. Furthermore, the results also yielded that to tackle misinformation in this digital era, there is a need for a multi-stakeholder approach and cross-regional collaboration and use of deepfake detection tools to foster a more informed digital society.