Polarization in perception on  public safety adopting strategies to reduce the spread for belief in misinformation and counter hateful rhetoric in political campaigns

Abstract

This study will examine the influence of polarization and fake news as a tool to sway public opinion. Fake news has become more prevalent because of the expansion of internet access and mobile device use in Africa.Fake news can spread through several channels, including social media platforms, traditional media outlets, and online news websites. In some parts of Africa fake news and counter hateful rhetoric in political campaigns have been used to as a tool and manipulate the election results. These actions have influenced the results of elections  as polarization  of the electorates   have affected  voter turnout. This research will inform the strategies that political activist can adopt in their campaigns and also access the strategies these political aspirants are currently using in their campaign and how they strategies  against counter hateful rhetoric in their political campaigns.