INFODEMIC WITH MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION IN PANDEMIC COVID-19 SITUATION: A GLOBAL CASE STUDY

Journalism and Mass Communication

The challenge today is that disinformation and misinformation tools and tactics are now literally at the fingertips of anyone who wants to co-opt COVID-19 for their own agenda, including government agencies. For example, researchers at the Bruno Kessler Foundation analyzed 112 million public social media posts related to the pandemic and found that 40 per cent came from unreliable sources, and that almost 42 per cent of over 178 million tweets related to COVID-19 were by bots. Meanwhile, Reuters Institute found that around a third of social media users have reported seeing false or misleading information about the corona virus, while research by Pew suggests that people who receive their news primarily through social media are more likely to be exposed to false content. These platforms, thus, have a responsibility to ensure credibility. Even before Covid-19, the social media platforms had been under scrutiny to address the spread of fake news. Since Covid-19, several efforts have been made in this endeavour. However, despite these efforts, the problem is not easily surmountable. A combination of automation and human intervention is needed to keep a check on misinformation. The government needs to have legislative regulations, investigative responses and needs to counter disinformation campaigns. For consumers, mindful sharing and distribution of content are essential. Critical thinking and digital verification skills by citizens can go a long way countering the infodemic. Additionally, application of nudges like a ‘cool-down period’ or ‘speed-bumping’ into the social media platforms can enhance thinking. Cool-down period or speed-bumping is a methodology which provides a subtle signal to the consumer that the decision which would be made without pausing and deliberation, would not be the most desirable decision. As online users, we have a crucial role to play in tackling this infodemic. Access to reliable and accurate information is critical at the best of times. Now, more than ever, we need information we can trust.

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