The beginning of 2020 brought a heightened sense of health preparedness and focus on the importance of identifying misinformation and combating disinformation on social media. Misinformation is defined as inaccuracies stemming from an error in information gathering or reporting, while disinformation is intentionally fabricating false information to shape a point of view or a story. Distinguishing between misinformation, disinformation, and credible information is critical to stakeholder understanding regarding the impact of the Coronavirus (a.k.a. #2019nCoV). While a majority of information seekers may not be impacted by #2019nCoV, learning how to recognize reliable information sources during this outbreak or any other crisis event is important.   

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the #coronavirus outbreak a global emergency. As confirmed #2019nCoV cases are reported, and increased loss of life continues to make headlines, information about the health crisis has overtaken digital and social media.

Social Media Impact

According to Twitter, as of January 30, 2020, there have been over 15 million tweets on the topic. The spread of misinformation and disinformation is so prolific that big tech is actively trying to combat its voracity.

For example, Facebook is giving ad credits to the World Health Organization and Philippines Department of Health to share information and is also modifying its algorithm when users search for terms related to the outbreak.

YouTube is returning text results when users search for “coronavirus” and other terms related to the outbreak and is also pointing to authoritative video results.

Google is changing its algorithm to point users to verified information sources in search results and indicating when information has been fact-checked. Likewise, Twitter has modified its search results to point to authoritative, local-language information when people search for related terms.

Addressing Misinformation/Disinformation

The viral spread of misinformation and disinformation related to the outbreak also prompted the World Health Organization’s Director to specifically address the impact of rumors and misinformation.

According to the World Health Organization’s Director, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, we must:

  • “accelerate the development of vaccines, therapeutics & diagnostics.
  • combat the spread of rumours & misinformation.
  • review preparedness plans, identify gaps & evaluate the resources needed to identify, isolate & care for cases, & prevent transmission.
  • share data, knowledge & experience with WHO & the world.”

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate’s 2018 publication on Countering False Information on Social Media in Disasters and Emergencies found social media information is typically shared with good intent. Researchers identified different characteristics of social media posts that lead information consumers to believe alternative behavior such as those which intentionally propagate malicious agendas with incorrect information include intentional versus unintentional; insufficient information; opportunist disinformation; and outdated information.

Taking Action

If organizations do not take the initiative to develop a foundation of trust and authenticity with stakeholders before a crisis, stakeholders will look to unofficial sources.  Likewise, if social media information is not monitored and not corrected in a timely manner, rumors, as well as misinformation and disinformation will run rampant.

The scientific adage that nature abhors a vacuum also pertains to the flow of information during a crisis – even if that information is inaccurate or misleading. If we have learned anything from the #coronavirus outbreak, it is professional communicators must adapt their communication methods to combat the viral spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media.

Read more about how SummitET® is addressing this issue with agency and private organizations. Or, see our workshop on Addressing Misinformation and Disinformation on Social Media.

You can learn more facts about the Corona Virus here.

World Health Organization Top tips for navigating the infodemic

Bridging the Gap Episode 3, Part 1: Improving Exercise Design and Evaluation; the XF Score

In this podcast episode, SummitET preparedness experts and former DHS Acting Secretary and FEMA Administrator discuss the XF Score™️, a rubric for analyzing the effectiveness of tabletop exercises and trainings for crises.

Active Shooter Incidents Over Time

“Active shooters” were not always considered cause for alarm in the United States. This post examines the trend of active shooter incidents over time and offers preparedness solutions to mitigate the threat.

Bridging the Gap Episode 2: Stolen Radiation Sources

SummitET Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) discuss the emerging threat of stolen radiation sources.

Bridging the Gap Episode 1: Bioterrorism and Ricin

SummitET Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) discuss the possible implications of a ricin bomb as a Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD).

What Your Radiological Communications May Be Missing

When communicating effects of a radiological incident, it’s important to have this one thing to effectively communicate to the public.

Build Organizational Resiliency Within Strategic Communications

The APSTER Process is a SummitET proprietary process for building organizational resiliency and preparedness within strategic communications.

Integrating Preparatory Consequence Management and Law Enforcement Operations During “Left of Boom” Terrorist Threats

A new planning approach enabling all levels of government to integrate their operations to maximize their ability to stop the terrorist.

Nuclear Power Plants are going Virtual for Communications Trainings and Exercises

Nuclear power plants and Offsite Response Organizations virtual strategic communication to meet training and exercise requirements.