Social Media Spreading False Info About Coronavirus

[engine]

In the last week i've seen several examples of false information being spread on social media, like a virus. It's ironic it's spoken about as something "going viral."

Some "friends" that should know better just seem to be making bad decisions by sharing and starting to believe the crap that's out there. It's more likely to be fear and anxiety in some cases, but we all know, don't we, you can't believe it just because it's on the Internet.

[graeme_p]

I hate people saying "I read it on the internet" who have no idea where they read it or show wrote it.

Its not new, its just heightened by the coronavirus.

The great pity is that the internet has made really high quality sources or information really accessible (open access reviewed journals, experts own blogs instead of a journos interpretation of what they said, etc.).

For medical information I tend to rely on the NHS and Cochrane (a non-profit that publishes things like meta-analyses of the academic literature).

[engine]

If only people would do as you and use the authority sources.

I've long been ignoring the sensationalist click-bait headlines.

[lucy24]

Headline: Dog Bites Man.

[lammert]

The only things I reshare about the coronavirus on social media are funny pictures and movies about how people cope with their quarantine and social distancing. Lots of creative folks out there :)

For the more serious news about the pandemic, I stick to the established media and national health organizations. The message they are providing is already serious enough. No need for exaggeration by untrusted sources.

[tangor]

Heh ... real problem on the internet is finding the authority site(s). The kiddies seem to find the ones that are all dancing singing jiggly entertainment ... and we all know THAT'S not the real thing.

Right?