Rumors, myths and conspiracy theories circulating online amid the coronavirus pandemic could have resulted in hundreds of deaths, according to a new study.
Rumors of “cures” included drinking bleach, eating garlic, keeping the throat moist, avoiding spicy foods, taking certain vitamins and drinking cow urine, according to the study published Monday in ‘t American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
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With the world’s attention focused on the new, emerging virus and global pandemic, an “infodemy” or “abundance of information” could make it difficult for people to find credible information, study authors said.
“Misinformation driven by rumors, stigma, and collusion theories can potentially have serious implications for the individual and the community when prioritized over evidence-based guidelines,” research researchers wrote.
The study extracted information from a range of online platforms, including social media and TV networking websites, from 31 December 2019 to 5 April 2020. From a content analysis, researchers found 2,311 reports of rumors, stigma, and collusion theories in 25 languages out of 87 countries. Of the 2,276 reports that had text ratings, 1,856 claims were false (82%).
Rumors, myths and conspiracy theories circulating online amid the coronavirus pandemic could have resulted in hundreds of deaths, according to a new study. (iStock)
Researchers examined and organized the data into three categories: rumors, stigma, and collusion theories. Rumors were most prevalent, the majority of which were related to COVID-19 disease, transmission, and mortality, per the study.
One popular myth advised holding his breath for more than 10 seconds to self-diagnose infection. Another said consuming high alcohol could disinfect the body and kill the virus.
According to the wrong information, about 800 people died, 5,876 were hospitalized and 60 went completely blind after drinking methanol as a “cure” for the virus, according to the researchers.
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Reports of stigmatization included people of Asian descent blaming the virus, while conspiracy theories classified COVID-19 as a bioweapon made by international agencies, researchers said.
“In order to avoid misinformation,” the study’s authors said, “health agencies need to connect traffic information to the COVID-19 in real time, and involve local communities and government stakeholders.”
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