Crowdsourcing Truths: A Participatory Fact-Checking Tool for Nigerian Citizens on X Platform

Owen; Eric Chukwuemeka; Prof. G. B. Nsereka; Preye Brisibe PhD

doi:10.56201/rjmcit.vol.12.no7.2026.pg46.57

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Crowdsourcing Truths: A Participatory Fact-Checking Tool for Nigerian Citizens on X Platform

Owen, Eric Chukwuemeka, Prof. G. B. Nsereka, Preye Brisibe PhD

Abstract

This study investigated crowdsourced participatory fact-checking as a tool for combating misinformation among Nigerian citizens on X. The study evaluated how collective verification practices influence news quality and journalism practice in Nigeria’s digital environment. Anchored on the Social Exchange Theory, the study explored how collaborative user engagement contributes to information accuracy, critical thinking, and informed decision-making. A survey research method was adopted, targeting a projected population of 7,500,000 Nigerian X users, from which a sample of 400 respondents was drawn. Findings showed that participatory fact- checking enhances critical thinking and informed decision-making by encouraging users to verify content, question source credibility, and learn from peer verification behaviors. However, its effectiveness is moderated by digital literacy levels and user motivation. The study also found that misinformation sharing remains moderately prevalent, driven by social influence, heuristic decision-making, ideological alignment, and platform dynamics that amplify viral but unverified content. Engagement in fact-checking is largely occasional and uneven, with many users relying on social cues such as trending metrics rather than independent verification. Furthermore, the research identified key contextual challenges limiting the effectiveness of crowdsourced fact- checking in Nigeria. The study concluded that participatory fact-checking holds significant potential for strengthening Nigeria’s digital public sphere but requires strategic interventions to maximize its impact. It recommended embedding simple verification prompts and source- evaluation tools within platform interfaces; introducing algorithmic adjustments to limit the visibility of unverified viral content; integrating incentive mechanisms such as credibility badges E-ISSN 2545-529x to encourage sustained fact-checking engagement; and developing multilingual, culturally sensitive verification tools alongside targeted digital literacy programs to address participation barriers and improve verification accuracy.

Keywords

CrowdsourcingMisinformationNigerian CitizensParticipatory Fact-CheckingTruths: X Platform.

References

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Crowdsourcing Truths: A Participatory Fact-Checking Tool for Nigerian Citizens on X Platform

Abstract

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