Concerns over the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media &ndash; challenges amid the coronavirus pandemic

¹ School of Psychology, University of Queensland
² National Centre for Youth Susbtance Use Research, University of Queensland
³ National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales
⁴ School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom
⁵ National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, University of Queensland
⁶ Oslo Metropolitan University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Oslo, Norway
⁷ VID Specialized University, Faculty of Health Studies, Sandnes, Norway
⁸ University of Michigan, School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
⁹ Oslo Metropolitan University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work, Oslo, Norway

Published: 11 January 2021 by MDPI in The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Environmental Research and Public Health —Public Health Issues in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic session Mental Health

https://doi.org/10.3390/ECERPH-3-09078

Abstract:

Introduction

The unfolding pandemic of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, has caused challenges across the globe. Shelter-in-place, lock-down, and social distancing policies increased the use of social media for societies to stay connected. This study investigated psychological issues societies experienced from using social media among community during this critical period.

Methods

Cross-sectional online surveys were used to collect qualitative data from 1991 respondents living in the UK, USA and Australia during April-May 2020 when shelter-in-place or stay-at-home policies were in place.

Results

Concerns over misinformation, conspiracy theories, and fake news were repetitively raised as a critical challenge associated with reports of negative psychological consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, 1 in 3 respondent expressed concerns over misinformation as the key challenge, with higher prevalence among respondents from the USA (41%) than UK (35%) and Australia (32%), χ2(2)=8.5, p=0.015. While some thought social media had facilitated social connections, others said that differing opinions from friends and families have put stress on relationships and created negative psychology. Conflicting information (including information from government bodies, news outlets, information articles and individual opinions) have caused additional stress and anxiety.

Conclusions

The spread of misinformation, fake news, and conspiracy theories have caused psychosocial challenges and disconnections in the community. Special attention is needed to address psychological issues caused by the spread of misinformation on social media during the crisis.

Keywords: misinformation; social media; mental health; Coronavirus; pandemic

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