Curious to know the top #ConspiracyTheory themes or #misinformation sub-topics in the #COVID19 #infodemic? Check this out & vaccinate yourself against false information. Excellent study by @Sarah_Evanega @mark_lynas Jordan Adams & Karinne Smolenyak @ScienceAlly #thread

The “miracle cures” sub-topic accounts for more #misinformation coverage than the other ten sub-topics combined. It is dominated by a peak on April 24 corresponding with President Trump’s press conference statements about the potential of using #bleach or other #disinfectants.

Mentions of #conspiracytheories linked to alleged "secret new world orders” or “deep state” government bodies existed throughout the time period and were referenced in passing in conversations that mentioned or listed widespread conspiracies.

A #ConspiracyTheory emerged in January that suggested the #COVID19 #pandemic was intentional and manufactured to coincide with President Trump’s impeachment trial. #misinformation #disinformation

#ConspiracyTheories surrounding the Wuhan Institute of Virology emerged early in #COVID19 #misinformation coverage, including theories that it was a secret bioweapons facility and that it was the origin point for a deliberate or accidental release of #SARSCoV2.

Conspiracies connecting Bill Gates to #COVID19 emerged early on in the #pandemic. Bill’s long-standing interest in #vaccinations as a #publichealth measure were further taken as evidence of nefarious intent by those spreading #misinformation & #disinformation.

The #5G / #COVID19 #ConspiracyTheory broke into mainstream media coverage on April 5 with widespread reporting of vandalism of 5G towers in the United Kingdom & later other countries. More #misInformation #disinformation here: https://allianceforscience.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Evanega-et-al-Coronavirus-misinformationFINAL.pdf