Citizen Journalism Practice: Fake News, Misinformation and Credibility, a Study of Abakaliki Metropolis

This study examine citizen journalism practice based on fake news, misinformation and credibility using a study of Abakiliki metropolis. This study was guilded by four objectives. This study employed a survey research design. The population of study were 223,000 respondents. The sample size for this study was (400) four hundred residends residing in Abakiliki L.G.A, Ebonyi state. Gatekeeping theory of the media was used as theorical frame work in this study. The data used for this study where collected through questionnaire. Base on the findings this study reveals that citizen journalism, while beneficial in providing diverse perspectives and quicker reporting, also contributes to the spread of fake news and misinformation. The lack of editorial oversight, combined with the speed of reporting, are key factors driving this issue. Although citizen journalism offers alternative viewpoints and more localized reporting, the credibility of the information it provides is frequently called into question. Most respondents agree that social media platforms, which are often used by citizen journalists, serve as a major avenue for the dissemination of misinformation. Traditional media has been impacted by the rise of citizen journalism, facing increased competition and the need to adapt to new demands for fast, diverse coverage.These findings highlight the importance of establishing stricter editorial controls and improving fact-checking practices in citizen journalism to reduce the spread of misinformation. Additionally, fostering collaboration between traditional and citizen journalists could help maintain the integrity of news reporting in the digital age.