If you have heard the crazy rumors of a biochemical war, are treated with secret plans to start smoking and chaotic movements, then you are not alone. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram are experiencing a sudden rise in fake news.
Facebook, Twitter and Google have already resolved to find and remove multiple sources of false information. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) is spreading a wave of lies called "infodemic", similar to coronaviruses.
"I see false information about coronavirus everywhere. Some people are nervous, and are looking for magic cures, while others are conspiring," says the gastroenterologist at Jefferson University Hospital, Andrew Chiang.
One of the most popular "magic remedies" on the Internet is that COVID-19 can be prevented or eliminated by drinking bleach or eating garlic. Popular conspiracy theories include the involvement and spread of the Bill Gates virus and the deliberate release of falsely infected numbers by the Taiwanese government.
"People are looking for good sources of information because when they log into their social media platforms, all they see is fear," said Chiang.
While social media platforms do their best to point users to reliable sources of information, such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and WHO, you can spot fake news with a few quick tips:
Consider the source: Do a quick search of the resource if you don't recognize the names right away or they aren't reliable. To delete bogus sites as real words, check the URL for incorrect words and suspicious variants.
Read the title. So, take the information from the preview and read the full story before running with it.
According to USA Today, check your biases: Confirmation bias plays a role in how we analyze new information. Unfortunately, sites are prone to spreading false information based on false information.
Confirm the story with reliable sources: Quickly search for an item or title to find out what sources, like the CDC and WHO, are reporting, then you can consider it a reliable and reliable tool.
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