Lawyers Response to COVID-19 Infodemic on Social Media

Objectives : The primary objective of this study is to examine and analyze the skills and practices of lawyers in response to the misinformation/Infodemic of COVID-19 on Social Media platforms. Research Methodology : In this quantitative study an online survey was conducted among lawyers in Pakistan. The population of the study was made up of practicing lawyers from different District Bar Associations in Pakistan. A questionnaire was distributed to collect data regarding demographic information, use of social media, response to misinformation about COVID-19 on social media and to identify the methods employed by lawyers to check the authenticity of such information. Collected data were first analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS V 23) and then presented in frequency, mean, percentage, and standard deviation. Findings : The study revealed that the majority of lawyers use social media platforms. It shows that the most popular social media platforms among the lawyers are Facebook and WhatsApp. The outcome shows that lawyers encounter fake stories about COVID-19. Critical thinking, comparison, and cross-checking are among the most commonly used techniques employed by the lawyers to check the authenticity of any information about the COVID-19 on social media. It also revealed that most of the time they share such news after checking its authenticity but sometimes they share it without confirming it.