Misinformation and instant access: inconsistent reporting during extreme climatic events, reflecting on Tropical Cyclone Idai

Abstract

Abstract In an era of globalisation, the spread of misinformation is becoming increasingly problematic. The dissemination of inaccurate and conflicting news on events such as tropical cyclones, can result in people being placed at increased risk and negatively influence the amount of aid received by the region. This study scrutinises media articles, and with the use of comparative analysis, uncovers the potential cause of misinformation in disaster journalism. The results of the study found that 59% (n=80) of the articles reported on wind speed values while 80% (n=80) of the articles reported on the number of fatalities. Results indicate that 44% (n=80) of the articles used official sources, uncovering that the potential source of misinformation is not only what is provided to journalists from official sources, but how the various sources used lead to contradicting news articles. The variations in news reports can be attributed to factors such as, the influx of different reports and the changing conditions during a disaster, all of which make consistent reporting on a disaster a challenging process.