False Information Spreads Rapidly in Algeria’s Social Media Landscape, Study Finds

A comprehensive study conducted in Algeria reveals widespread concern about false information on social media platforms, particularly during political protests and the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, published in July 2021, highlights how technological advances and changing information consumption habits have accelerated the spread of misinformation at unprecedented rates.

During the height of anti-regime protests known as Hirak, Facebook became a hotbed of political activity and false information. Both protesters and authorities reported disinformation campaigns designed to undermine and discredit opposing sides. This pattern intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Algerians facing what the World Health Organization termed an “infodemic” of misleading information about the virus’s origin, transmission, prevention, and vaccine safety.

The study, which combined desk research, in-depth interviews, and a national telephone survey of 1,800 Algerians aged 18 and above, reveals striking statistics about information consumption habits in the country. An overwhelming 93% of respondents reported encountering false or misleading information on social media, with nearly one-third (31%) claiming daily exposure.

Most Algerians express significant concern about misinformation, with 88% reporting they are worried about false content on social media platforms and 81% believing it causes harm to the population. However, the research uncovered a notable disconnect in perceived personal vulnerability.

While 88% of respondents felt confident in their own ability to identify false information, only 39% expressed the same confidence in others’ capabilities. This confidence gap appears particularly problematic given that 39% of those surveyed admitted to having previously shared information that later proved false.

“I trust my family members. However, my parents are actually using Facebook. The problem is that they do not make a difference between true and fake news, they believe whatever information they encounter,” reported a 27-year-old male from Algiers. “I keep telling him that he needs to see the information shared and confirmed by many people and sources before believing in it.”

Trust plays a critical role in information flow, with Algerians more likely to believe content shared by close friends and family members. The research also identified a widespread belief in the “power of shares” – the perception that widely shared information is inherently more trustworthy, regardless of its source or verifiability.

Information sharing behaviors are primarily motivated by altruism and social connection rather than self-promotion. Respondents reported sharing content that made them happy or amused while avoiding posts that triggered negative emotions like disgust or fear. Though 77% claimed to value accurate information, only 61% believed they could reliably access it.

COVID-19 information proved particularly vulnerable to misinformation. Fewer than half of survey respondents could correctly identify factual statements about the virus and vaccines, highlighting significant knowledge gaps in public health information.

As Algeria advances its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the research identifies several critical needs: access to independent, accurate information sources; better signposting toward reputable content; improved media literacy skills; and targeted interventions that leverage Algerians’ desire to help others by emphasizing the importance of sharing only verified information.

The findings from Algeria mirror global concerns about information ecosystems increasingly polluted by false content. As social media platforms continue to dominate information sharing, the challenge of maintaining informed public discourse on critical issues like public health and political participation becomes increasingly urgent.