There is an unprecedented increase in fake news and conspiracy theories, impossible to debunk on a one-on-one basis. This rapidly shared false information is not only misleading but also harmful. We have seen people die following this misinformation. #infodemicCOVID19

Infodemic is not a new phenomenon. During H1N1 outbreak, 23% of the Twitter posts included personal experience, 14% personal opinion, 8% jokes, 2% spam, 1% marketing and 53% included some resources but contents were not always factual ie "ways to prevent flu" #infodemicCOVID19

Junk science and conspiracy theories are the most manipulative and most dangerous form of contents. Because the level of infodemic risk increases with the level of cognitive manipulation that is implied. #infodemicCOVID19

This cognitive manipulation does not only imply exposure to unreliable information but also make people more prone to have a cognitive frame to interpret it. #infodemicCOVID19

We are seeing a change in main tactics to spread disinformation on #COVID19. Heavy use of private messaging apps (WhatsApp, Messenger) to spread disinformation. Anonymous channels on Telegram spreading fake news, videos, fake official documents, fake audios #infodemicCOVID19

. @AAlaphilippe also suggests that some genuine and healthy scientific debates are also misinterpreted and used to spread disinformation and conspiracy theories. #infodemicCOVID19

Most of these messages shared on private messaging apps are usually amplified by well-intended people, directly comes from a caring family member or a friend, but often the source of the information is not able to be tracked back. #infodemicCOVID19

Dr. Sylvie Briand @SCBriand - in order to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, we also need to manage and reduce the infodemic (overabundance of info some accurate some not), provide timely access to trusted & reliable sources, enhance communication
#infodemicCOVID19