GENDER DIFFERENCES IN BELIEVABILITY AND USEFULNESS OF COVID-19 RELATED INFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Abstract

Abstract: COVID-19 is one of the most threatening pandemics in recent times. People worldwide became terrified because of the risk of contagion, the high rate of fatality, particularly among the elderly, and the effects on people's social, economic, political, and cultural lives. Despite the risk associated with the Pandemic, the Nigerian populaces have different attitudes regarding the usefulness of information and believability, especially on social media. This study examines gender differences in Covid-19 attitudes towards related information on social media among undergraduate students of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The study employed a qualitative approach, and interviews were used to collect data. Purposive sampling techniques were used in selecting respondents. The participants consist of six female students and six male students. Overall, twelve students were selected to respond to the interview questions. Purposive sampling techniques were used in selecting respondents. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings showed an insignificant gender difference in Covid-19 attitudes and beliefs among students. The result further indicated that females do not value Covid-19 related information posted on social media by individuals. Keywords: Attitude; COVID-19; Disinformation; Fake News; Gender; Nigeria; Social Media