Open AccessThe impact of misinformation on the COVID-19 pandemic
Author(s) -
María Mercedes Ferreira Cáceres,
AUTHOR_ID,
Juan Pablo Sosa,
Jannel A. Lawrence,
Cristina Sestacovschi,
Atiyah Tidd-Johnson,
Muhammad Haseeb UI Rasool,
Vinay Kumar Gadamidi,
Saleha Ozair,
Krunal Pandav,
Claudia Cuevas-Lou,
Matthew Parrish,
Iván Rodríguez,
Javier Pérez Fernández,
AUTHOR_ID,
AUTHOR_ID,
AUTHOR_ID,
AUTHOR_ID
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
aims public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2327-8994
DOI - 10.3934/publichealth.2022018
Subject(s) - misinformation , pandemic , covid-19 , information dissemination , internet privacy , social media , public relations , public health , scientific evidence , political science , the internet , medicine , business , psychology , virology , computer science , outbreak , law , nursing , philosophy , disease , epistemology , pathology , world wide web , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Since the inception of the current pandemic, COVID-19 related misinformation has played a role in defaulting control of the situation. It has become evident that the internet, social media, and other communication outlets with readily available data have contributed to the dissemination and availability of misleading information. It has perpetuated beliefs that led to vaccine avoidance, mask refusal, and utilization of medications with insignificant scientific data, ultimately contributing to increased morbidity. Undoubtedly, misinformation has become a challenge and a burden to individual health, public health, and governments globally. Our review article aims at providing an overview and summary regarding the role of media, other information outlets, and their impact on the pandemic. The goal of this article is to increase awareness of the negative impact of misinformation on the pandemic. In addition, we discuss a few recommendations that could aid in decreasing this burden, as preventing the conception and dissemination of misinformation is essential.