SOCIAL MEDIA FUELS SPREAD OF COVID-19 INFORMATION—AND
MISINFORMATION
Johns Hopkins computer scientist Mark Dredze
discusses how social media can help combat—or contribute to—the spread of
misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic
Social
media has been used in the past for natural disasters and public health
concerns, such as Hurricane Sandy or Zika, however the efforts are happening on
a much larger scale for COVID-19. Public Health officials, such as those at the
CDC actually can turn to social media to see if there is
"misinformation" that should be responded to more broadly. Social
media information gathering is an effective means of creating targeted
messaging.
That
said, Social Media is a double-edged sword. Just as easily as positive
information is shared, so are rumors. So the key is, "how to spot the
difference?"
First,
is to check to see if it is from a "trusted source" such as a local
newspaper or government agency. If it is something medical, check with your
doctor, first.
There
will always be misinformation on Social Media, but a marketer should actively
try to promote their brand trust with people, and focus on what they know as
being domain experts. A clothing store should not be providing independent
health reports. Stick to your brand or promote a trusted source.
Good
luck!
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