Combating False Information During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background

Medical communication and trustworthy content

In a purpose similar to other classifications of technical communicators, medical communicators are tasked with ensuring the that scientific and medical data is correctly communicated to a target audience. In our current climate, medical communicators must ensure that essential information regarding personal health and safety is provided to an audience that is generally medically illiterate. Medical communication has never been more relevant in our daily lives than it is right now in the midst of a global pandemic. Whether it is communicating ways to prevent transmission or informing the public of research breakthroughs, medical communicators are tasked with ensuring that updated and relevant information is provided to the public about the virus.

A major threat to public health during this crisis is the spread of misinformation originating from conspiracy theories, unaccredited/false scientific studies, and untrustworthy news sources. It is the role of the technical communicators to help screen conflicting and occasionally false information to ensure their audience receives correct and accurate information to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Examples

The first example is a social media post that displays an alleged link between the growing 5G mobile network and Covid-19. This type of online post helps further spread misinformation and can place susceptible populations at an increased risk for contracting Covid-19.

This example for preventing and countering the spread of misinformation is an infographic released by the United Nations Information Center with the intent of dispelling the conspiracy that 5G networks cause corona virus. The infographic is very clear and easy to read, ensuring that it is understood by the majority of people who see it.

Summary of Research on Combatting False Information

References for Combatting False Information