Exposure And Responsiveness to Online Political Disinformation in the 2023 General Elections: A Study of Anambra State Voters

Abstract

This study investigates the Anambra State Voters' exposure and responsiveness of to online political disinformation during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections. Drawing from communication studies, political science, and digital sociology, the research examines how digital misinformation and deliberate falsehoods circulated through social media platforms influenced electoral perceptions and behaviors. A quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire distributed among a representative sample of registered voters across Anambra State. Findings indicate that online platforms, particularly WhatsApp, Facebook, and X ( formerly Twitter) were the most prominent sources of political information and disinformation. Respondents reported high exposure to false narratives about political candidates’ health, credentials, and affiliations, which significantly shaped their political attitudes. However, voters with higher levels of media literacy exhibited greater resilience to deceptive content. The study underscores the role of digital media in shaping electoral behavior and highlights the urgent need for digital literacy programs, factchecking collaborations, and regulatory mechanisms to mitigate the impact of online disinformation on Nigeria’s democratic process.