The Social Contract at Risk: COVID-19 Misinformation in South Africa

Abstract

Technological advancements and the ubiquity of digital platforms have accelerated the spread of false information, undermining governance and social harmony. Despite its significance, there remains no academic consensus on a taxonomy for the various manifestations of false information. This study addresses this gap and examines the complex societal implications of misinformation. The research identifies motives behind the spread of false information and assesses its impact on governance and social contracts, with a focus on South Africa during the early phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A qualitative approach was followed, using documentary research and secondary analysis of qualitative data. While global trends in misinformation were initially explored, the study primarily focused on South Africa, covering the period from the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Wuhan in December 2019 to 5 March 2021, one year after South Africa’s first reported case. A literature review was conducted to examine the origins and spread of misinformation, including government measures and public responses. The findings revealed that power and greed are primary drivers of misinformation, with entrenched worldviews, scepticism towards authority, and a lack of critical evaluation skills intensifying the issue. The spread of misinformation had significant impacts on governmental crisis management and social cohesion in South Africa.

Contribution: This study contributes to understanding misinformation’s societal impact and provides a framework for future empirical studies on crisis management and government-citizen relations. It aligns with the journal’s focus on contemporary challenges in information dissemination.