Online Communication and Misinformation in the Pandemic Age of COVID-19

Discovered and reported in China in December, 2019, the novel coronavirus is growing by the minute. It has spread to nearly every country on the planet; everyone is forced to stay at their home and follow all the precautionary measures to stop the spread of this deadly virus. In addition to promoting fear, this Covid-19 situation has also instigated the rumor mills that are continuously busy in spreading wrong information among the masses. Unfortunately, online social platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, etc.) are largely being used to spread fake information regarding coronavirus. Every day we get to hear about a new thing being touted as ‘’the potential cure for the Covid-19.’’

To avoid such fake news and misinformation, people should only rely on veritable sources like the World Health Organization (WHO). Believing something that has nothing to do with reality can lead to deadly consequences. So, it’s highly advised that people should only look for authentic, veritable sources to stay up to date with the latest coronavirus information. 

The following are a couple of the most common coronavirus myths being circulated on the internet;

The spread of coronavirus will slow down in the warmer weather

It has been observed that warmer temperature doesn’t play their role in stopping the spread of coronavirus. Only a coronavirus vaccine can put an end to the COVID-19 situation. 

Young people are less prone to getting infected by the coronavirus

Being younger won’t help you stay away from the coronavirus. It can make anyone sick, be it adults or kids. However, people with strong immunity have been shown to fight well against coronavirus.

About the Author

Francisca Oladipo is the professor of computing and Director –Research, Innovations and International Relations at Kampala International University. Prior to her appointment to this position, she was Associate Professor and Head of Department of Computer Science at Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria and a member of the University’s Governing Council. She always loves researching on artificial intelligence, machine learning, sustainability, natural language processing, software reverse engineering, and sustainability.