Online information, mis- and disinformation in the context of COVID-19
This brief sets out practical considerations relating to flows of information, misinformation and disinformation though online media, particularly social media networks, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It details various types of online media, key players and influencers on social media, and strategies for ensuring good information and disrupting mis- and disinformation. It is important to analyse different types of information across different channels, how it is spread and to whom, in order to determine how social media can be harnessed in both positive and negative ways. The WHO recommends proactive communication during a public health emergency that, ¡°encourages the public to adopt protective behaviours, facilitates heightened disease surveillance, reduces confusion and allows for better allocation of resources ¨C all of which are necessary for an effective response¡±.
This bried offers a number of summary considerations in the context of misinformation and disinformation related to COVID-19, including:
- Mis- and disinformation can proliferate when there is a lack, or conversely, an overabundance of information.
- Social media are global in scope, yet the behaviour of social media users is locally specific.
- Public bodies should ensure that the information they share through social media is factual and originates from official sources (such as the WHO, CDC, Ministries of Health etc).
- If mis- and disinformation are not addressed as they arise, they can proliferate.
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