Environmental Fake News And Public Behavior In Kerala. Mapping The Importance Of Social Media Literacy With Special Reference To “Kerala Flood 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of environmental fake news on public behavior and during disaster events in Kerala, that focuses on the moderating role of social media literacy. The 2024 Wayanad landslides and related conditions provided a setting to examine how misinformation circulated via social media influences community trust, responsiveness with safety protocols, and support for governmental policies. Quantitative findings from 450 respondents reveal a significant positive correlation between education and social media literacy, while age and place of living also shape fake news susceptibility. Urban and younger individuals showed stronger social media literacy, enabling better identification of fake news, though emotional distress during emergencies may compromise critical evaluation of messages spread during crisis situation. Qualitative interviews highlighted collective verification strategies and conditional trust among institutions, underscoring Kerala's community-centric dynamics. The study demonstrates that high social media literacy serves as a shielding factor, but is insufficient in isolation; effective disaster communication requires integrated approaches leveraging education, transparent government messaging, and strengthening community networks. Insights gathered from Kerala's experience suggests future efforts in combating environmental misinformation incorporating various interventions strategies and strengthening public resilience in crisis situations.