Stopping the Infodemic From Worsening the Pandemic
The coronavirus has been quickly spreading, and misinformation has been swiftly surfacing alongside it. Misleading information will always pose a challenge, but when it surrounds pandemic, a whole new public health and safety concern is introduced.
Misinformation leads to misinformed decision making; so it is crucial that we come together to stop its spread so we can return to normal.
People are seeking guidance and answers more than ever to navigate this time, and with so much uncertainty looming, it may be more difficult to consume reliable news sources.
So, which sources are reliable?
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the prominent leader for providing factual information during this pandemic.
Visit their home page for coronavirus quick links and their main coronavirus page here.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) coronavirus page provides updated, factual information.
The COVID-19 Facts website debunks myths and explains facts about the coronavirus.
PolitiFact’s coronavirus hub updates and fact-checks the most frequently shared information on the web.
The Wall Street Journal regularly updates their coronavirus page with their latest findings as well as FAQ’s regarding the coronavirus.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides examples of robocalls and scams so we don’t fall victim.
What to do if someone sends or tells you false information:
Understand their underlying intentions were likely for the best, do not retaliate.
Kindly correct them with reliable information and credible sources so they can educate themselves.
Spark up a conversation! These are new times; we can all do our part to prepare for and envision the future.
Some channels such as social media and search engines can mitigate misinformation from surfacing to an extent, but it’s nearly impossible to fully prevent the spread of misleading information. The World Health Organization (WHO) has pushed partnerships with Google, Facebook, Twitter, and other tech giants to be featured on the top of webpages. Google has increased monitoring on paid advertising to mitigate misinformation, but this doesn’t mean it will be perfect.
Things to Take Away:
When in doubt, fact-check before you share; it’s better to consume factual news less frequently than an abundance of fake news.
Remember, the more we see shared misinformation, the more we believe it to be true, so be sure to consume reliable sources and reduce the likelihood of uninformed decisions.
Do not rely on social media as your only source of news.