This text is part of the special Scientific Francophonie notebook
If the phenomenon is widespread in America and Europe, it is also widespread in the countries of the South, in Africa and in Haiti, in particular.
“Disinformation is very present in Africa,” says Zanfongnon Serge Éric Migan, a Beninese doctoral student at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM). Today, thanks to smartphones, Africans have access to all social networks, such as TikTok and Instagram. » And the observation is the same for Haiti. “Previously, Haitians received their information through traditional radio,” explains Jeffney Ferdin, a Haitian student, also a doctoral candidate at UQAM. But now they have abandoned traditional radio in favor of social networks. »
In Africa, the two subjects that are most affected by disinformation are politics and public health, notes Mr. Migan. “A single example is enough to demonstrate how disinformation can be harmful,” he illustrates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea was propagated that vaccines were harmful to Africans because they were developed in former colonialist countries. »
In Haiti, the spread of disinformation is favored by a historical bias. “With traditional radio, Haitians had confidence in the information they received, because those who broadcast it were governed by professional ethics,” explains Mr. Ferdin. Unfortunately, this trust is now given to broadcasters on social networks, where this professional ethic has withered. »
The first step to countering misinformation, Mr. Migan believes, is through research. “This is important because it allows us to better understand the dynamics of disinformation and to clearly identify the specific vulnerabilities of the populations targeted by it. » The second step is to ensure the participation of educators. “It is educators who are able to raise awareness and explain to their students the workings of disinformation and, thus, enable them to better detect it. »
Towards a concerted struggle?
Although the solution appears to be a winning one, it nevertheless seems difficult to implement. “Our higher education institutions in Africa do not invest many resources in research,” he continues, “unlike institutions in America and Europe. » An observation shared by Mr. Ferdin. “Our universities are above all educational institutions,” he notes. In addition, only 1% of Haitians access higher education and, often, once they graduate, they leave the country. This brain drain is an obstacle to the development of research. »
Should we bring together French-speaking higher education establishments to make a concerted effort in the fight against disinformation? “It is desirable and undoubtedly possible,” says Mr. Migan, “but it represents quite a challenge. »
Indeed, where in Africa and Haiti can we find the necessary resources to enable them to fully participate in this federation? Mr. Migan also provides a warning. “We can come together and consult together, but we must avoid falling into the wall-to-wall trap. Actions to combat disinformation must adapt to the specificities of different cultures. »
Despite the size of the challenge, there are still some glimmers of hope, such as the establishment of the Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies of Haiti (ISTEAH). “Since its creation in 2013, ISTEAH has established numerous collaborations with university institutions in Quebec, but also in French-speaking countries in Europe,” underlines Mr. Ferdin. ISTEAH could serve as a launching pad for such a federation of the scientific Francophonie. »
Another initiative, this time civil, has emerged in Africa to counter disinformation: the organization Africa Check. Born in South Africa, it is now present in other countries on the continent, including Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Africa Check uses the know-how of professional journalists to ensure the veracity of the information circulating and makes its conclusions accessible to the general public through its website,” explains Mr. Migan. Tangible proof that disinformation, elsewhere too, is taken very seriously.
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