As people increasingly take up social distancing, social media is an appealing way to stay in contact. But, it can also be a source of fake news and bad advice regarding COVID-19.
Here, Jeff Hancock, a professor of communication in Stanford University’s School of Humanities and Sciences and founding director of the Stanford Social Media Lab, shares why these deceptive messages are appealing and what people can do to avoid bad advice.
The first tip is to get your info from established news sources, not social media.
What are the upsides and downsides of turning to social media during the novel coronavirus pandemic?
Hancock: Social media is allowing us to learn about information in our social world in extremely rapid and far-flung ways. We can learn about coronavirus news in other parts of the world and our own backyards within seconds and minutes.
Social media is also an important way of staying socially connected with one another, which is incredibly important for our psychological health as we all begin to engage in social distancing.
How can people discern false information about the new coronavirus from accurate, medical advice?
Hancock: It’s important to check health-related information from established news sources rather than from shared stories in social media.
A subscription to any reputable news organization is highly recommended, though many news sites (e.g., the New York Times) are offering free access to coronavirus related news.
Are there telltale signs people can look for when trying to discern fake versus real information online?
