Abstract
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.