ABSTRACT

Nations across Africa have seen substantial growth in technological advancements, including Internet and cell phone access. This growth has been unevenly experienced and has come with some unintended consequences, including the spread of mis- and disinformation. Previous research suggests that misinformation and disinformation are growing problems in the pockets across the region where research has been conducted, but individuals’ circumstances, identities and level of resources impact literacy abilities. This study utilizes data from a comparative, cross-national survey conducted in Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya in May–October 2021 (N = 3203) to understand how varying demographic indicators and a person’s perception of their literacy impact actual digital news literacy. Results indicate moderate levels of literacy in the region and the need for media literacy programmes to target lower-educated citizens and/or rural populations more so than targeting individuals based on gender, age, or income.

摘要

非洲各国在技术进步方面取得了长足的进步，包括互联网和手机接入。这种增长经历了不平衡，并带来了一些意想不到的后果，包括错误和虚假信息的传播。先前的研究表明，在进行研究的地区，错误信息和虚假信息正在成为越来越多的问题，但个人的情况、身份和资源水平会影响识字能力。本研究利用了 2021 年 5 月至 10 月在卢旺达、乌干达和肯尼亚进行的比较性跨国调查的数据（N = 3203) 了解不同的人口统计指标和一个人对其素养的看法如何影响实际的数字新闻素养。结果表明该地区的识字率适中，媒体扫盲计划更需要针对受教育程度较低的公民和/或农村人口，而不是针对基于性别、年龄或收入的个人。