The World Health Organization calls the spread of false information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) an “infodemic,” and the results are broadly visible across society.
The World Health Organization calls the spread of false information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) an “infodemic,” and the results are broadly visible across society. The refusal of some people to wear a mask or socially distance, or self-quarantine when exposed to the virus, is often motivated by false information or conspiracy theories that are popular on social media.
So what are public health officials to do?
In a pair of newly published studies, University of Delaware researchers shed new light on the stigma, stereotypes and conspiracy theories that have spread alongside the novel coronavirus.
Understanding the impact of misinformation “is important for identifying potential barriers to public health efforts” to combat the virus, said Valerie Earnshaw, associate professor in UD’s Department of Human Development and Family Sciences and lead author on both studies.
Read more at University of Delaware
Image: HDFS Professor Valerie Earnshaw's new research confirms that stigma around COVID-19 may lead people to avoid testing and that people who believe COVID conspiracies will be less likely to support public health policies to slow the pandemic's spread. (Credit: Photo by Elizabeth Adams)
