Fake health news in the new regime of truth and (mis)information

Abstract

The phenomenon of fake news in public health worldwide reflects significant changes in the regime of health information, particularly in the West. It reveals a transition from a scenario in which the medical community arguably dominated the flow of health information — grounded in the biomedical model — to a more crowded, competitive and chaotic scenario. The digital revolution has upended the old regime by transforming the large-scale production, distribution and consumption of health information. Consequently, misinformation and disinformation have become widespread, as the public is able to obtain information about health issues from an array of sources and platforms, and rogue actors flood the internet with factually incorrect information, hearsay and conspiracy theories.

Analysis of the Multidimensional Impacts of Corona Virus Disease-2019 (Covid-19) Pandemic

“…A dispersed media climate has encouraged the unregulated dissemination of such health-related misinformation, which can have significant effects, such as deteriorating health conditions and increased deaths (Waisbord, 2020). Consistent with results from past epidemics and pandemics (Taylor, 2019), many individuals in this survey (33%) were not optimistic that their community's healthcare system was equipped to cope with new coronavirus cases.…”

“…A shortage of personal protection devices affects health workers around the world (WHO, 2020b). Irresponsible use of social media has encouraged the unregulated dissemination of healthrelated misinformation, which can have significant effects, such as deteriorating health conditions and increased deaths(Malhotra, 2020;Taylor & Asmundson, 2004;Waisbord, 2020).During the field survey, it was also noticed that;"This pandemic greatly impacted the routine patients who needed medical care, but due to Covid-19, the OPDs were closed, and at a later stage they were advised by the government to seek medical care through WhatsApp and other communication channels…….which put them into difficulties and stress ……..only the emergency of hospitals was open for patients other than.…”

A Relationship-Centered and Culturally Informed Approach to Studying Misinformation on COVID-19

“…Here, misinformation refers to erroneous or false information that is not backed up by any evidence or expert opinion (Nyhan & Reifler, 2010). The unchecked spread of such health-related misinformation has been facilitated by a scattered media environment and can have grave consequences like worsening health conditions and increased deaths (Waisbord, 2020). Within this media environment, it is important to highlight the channels through which such falsehoods spread and how the nature of these channels can complicate efforts to curb misinformation.…”

Barreiras sanitárias e sua contribuição à formação médica: um relato de experiência

“…Por último, mas definitivamente não menos importante, faz-se necessário estabelecer um paralelo entre as barreiras sanitárias e a desconstrução das chamadas fake news. O conhecimento científico tem não apenas o desafio de dialogar com o conhecimento popular, mas também de desconstruir as notícias falsas, encontradas e compartilhadas em abundância na Internet 24 . O termo fake news se refere às informações sem autenticidade que são intencionalmente divulgadas com o intuito de enganar 18 , e, considerando a magnitude desse fenômeno, é fundamental investir mais em ações de Educação em Saúde com a comunidade.…”