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Empowering Users to Respond to Misinformation about Covid-19

Author

Listed:
  • Emily K. Vraga

    (Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota, USA)

  • Melissa Tully

    (School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Iowa)

  • Leticia Bode

    (Communication, Culture, and Technology, Georgetown University, USA)

Abstract

The World Health Organization has declared that misinformation shared on social media about Covid-19 is an “infodemic” that must be fought alongside the pandemic itself. We reflect on how news literacy and science literacy can provide a foundation to combat misinformation about Covid-19 by giving social media users the tools to identify, consume, and share high-quality information. These skills can be put into practice to combat the infodemic by amplifying quality information and actively correcting misinformation seen on social media. We conclude by considering the extent to which what we know about these literacies and related behaviors can be extended to less-researched areas like the Global South.

Suggested Citation

  • Emily K. Vraga & Melissa Tully & Leticia Bode, 2020. "Empowering Users to Respond to Misinformation about Covid-19," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(2), pages 475-479.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:meanco:v:8:y:2020:i:2:p:475-479
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Mariusz Duplaga, 2020. "The Determinants of Conspiracy Beliefs Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Nationally Representative Sample of Internet Users," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-15, October.
    2. An Nguyen & Daniel Catalan-Matamoros, 2020. "Digital Mis/Disinformation and Public Engagement with Health and Science Controversies: Fresh Perspectives from Covid-19," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(2), pages 323-328.
    3. Mariusz Duplaga, 2022. "A Nationwide Natural Experiment of e-Health Implementation during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland: User Satisfaction and the Ease-of-Use of Remote Physician’s Visits," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-13, July.
    4. Porismita Borah & Kyle Lorenzano & Anastasia Vishnevskaya & Erica Austin, 2022. "Conservative Media Use and COVID-19 Related Behavior: The Moderating Role of Media Literacy Variables," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-13, June.
    5. Mariusz Duplaga, 2022. "The Roles of Health and e-Health Literacy, Conspiracy Beliefs and Political Sympathy in the Adherence to Preventive Measures Recommended during the Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-13, July.

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