Copyright
Reuters
Facebook, Twitter and chat apps like WhatsApp have proved a fertile ground for unfounded rumors about Covid-19
At least 800 people died worldwide from coronavirus-related traffic information in the first three months of this year, researchers say.
A study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene says that about 5,800 people were admitted to the hospital as a result of false information on social media.
Many died from drinking methanol as well as alcohol-based cleaning products.
They mistakenly believe that the products were a cure for the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously said that the “infodemy” surrounding Covid-19 spread just as rapidly as the virus itself, with conspiracy theories, rumors and cultural stigma all contributing to deaths and injuries.
False information costs lives
Many of the victims had followed advice similar to credible medical information – such as eating large amounts of garlic or eating large amounts of vitamins – as a way to prevent infection, the study’s authors say. Others drank substances such as cow urine.
These actions all had “potentially serious implications” for their health, the researchers say.
The paper concludes that it is the responsibility of international agencies, governments and social media platforms to fight back against this “infodemy”, but tech companies have been criticized for their slow and patchy response. In the UK, laws to settle damages online can be several years away.
The BBC’s own investigations found references to attacks, arson and deaths as a result of incorrect information about the virus, and talked to doctors, experts and victims about their experiences.
Online rumors lead to mob attacks in India and mass poisonings in Iran. Telecommunication engineers have been threatened and attacks and telephone masts have been set up in the UK and other countries due to conspiracy theories that are incubated and reinforced online.
Social media also helps scammers to take advantage of the pandemic, selling ineffective badges that claim to ward off the virus, and encouraging followers to participate with money in exchange for a “mineral miracle supplement”, that is – in reality – diluted bleach.
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Conspiracy threat to vaccine Covid-19
As vaccines emerge, there is the continuing threat that campaigners against vaccination are using the platform provided by social media to persuade people not to protect themselves.
Despite companies on social media removing or labeling misleading information about faxes, recent polls in the United States showed that 28% of Americans believe Bill Gates wants to use faxes to implant microchips.
Achieving an effective vaccine for coronavirus could be completely undermined by misinformation, doctors told the BBC’s anti-disinformation team.
