Medical professionals and public health leaders are frustrated with the debunked conspiracy theories, discredited YouTube videos, and the sharing of misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic on social media platforms. Lori Grooms, OSF HealthCare’s Director of Infection Prevention and Control, says the many unknowns about COVID-19, because of its novel nature and the speed and scale at which it has spread, has created an anxious public understandably looking for answers. She says that’s fueling the spread of conspiracy theories and misinformation…
“With that comes anxiety and fear. And with that you have people that make statements that don’t necessarily understand everything about bacteria and viruses and how things are spread, and what you need to do to stay safe. “
Grooms adds that limiting time on social media and while online, maintain a dispassionate approach to some posts designed to inflame or with people who are simply misinformed. A list of debunked myths can be found on OSF’s website.
