A Cross-sectional Study on Netizen Tabayyun Practices in Receiving and Conveying Information on Social Media

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Netizens are recipients and communicators of information on social media. However, a fast reception and dissemination of information communicated without any prior investigation and review process often occur. It even includes the dissemination of false information. Hence, this research aimed to analyze tabayyun practices and levels among netizens in receiving and conveying information on social media. Differences in tabayyun levels among male and female netizens were also explored.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey method design was employed in this research. Data were collected through the distribution of questionnaire instruments online. The study sample of 315 respondents used purposive sampling and was analyzed with descriptive test analysis. For non-parametric analysis, this research adopted the Mann–Whitney U test.

Findings: The study outcomes determined that the item “Disappointed with people who disseminate unauthentic information” obtained the highest mean value (mean = 3.49, S.P. = 0.68). Simultaneously, 80 percent of netizens were at a moderate tabayyun level on the reception and delivery of information (mean = 42.90, S.P. = 6.17). No significant difference was observed between male and female netizens in terms of the tabayyun level.

Contributions: This research adds value to tabayyun research knowledge for more comprehensive policy action parameters, mainly concerning policymakers. Accordingly, endeavours to raise awareness and foster the right attitude among netizens must be intensified to tackle cyber defamation.