Tabayyun Measures for Self-Regulating Social Media Behaviour Among Muslim Consumers

In an era characterised by globalised technology, the rapid dissemination of information raises concerns about verifying news, especially due to the escalating prevalence of fake information leading to discord. Despite Malaysia having a predominantly Muslim population, the surge in fake news complaints in the country highlights the necessity of better adhering to Islamic teachings. This study aims to develop self-regulatory measures, specifically with regard to social media, based on the concept of tabayyun. While existing research identifies the limited understanding of tabayyun’s operational aspects, this study emphasises the importance of investigating and proposing effective measures to regulate social media behaviour among Muslim consumers. Tabayyun, which is defined as critically assessing and verifying information prior to dissemination, has significant relevance in terms of combating false accusations and defamation in contemporary society. Indeed, this Arabic term underscores the need for careful scrutiny of information, thereby preventing sensationalism and ensuring information accuracy. An increasing interest in studying the concept of tabayyun, particularly in Islamic education and social media contexts, is evident. However, there remains a lack of empirical basis, prompting this study to propose effective tabayyun measures that align with Islamic principles for self-regulating social media behaviour among Muslim consumers. Utilising a qualitative research design that employs a sequential exploratory instrument development process, this study addresses the limited understanding of self-regulation behaviour from an Islamic perspective. Moreover, it suggests related measures encompassing technical mechanisms, ethical practices and internalised values. This study contributes to defining an operational understanding of tabayyun and has implications for future research, emphasising the need for specific platform-focused measurement items. It also underscores the role of tabayyun in ethical communication and guiding individuals in navigating challenges on social media. The findings suggest practical interventions for individuals, policymakers and industry players to foster responsible social media use that is aligned with Islamic principles. Future studies should explore additional demographic factors and evaluate the suggested measures’ effectiveness over time, extending this study’s impact beyond the Muslim community.