Covid19 Information-Friends vs Foes

COVID19 Pandemic
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In the midst of COVID19 crises, there is a whole lot of opportunists with their fake news, treatments and conspiracies, making trying to create a thrill out of this situation.

False preventive measures, such as, eating garlic, drinking warm water with lemon slices or adulterated alcohol, hinder the fight against the illness. Despite of the fact that they can have some positive health effects, but they are not the cure.

Conspiracy theory experts are always  looking for opportunities to sell their philosophies, accusing China of manufacturing the virus, blaming 5G cell towers for spreading the disease or falsely accusing business magnate Bill Gates of causing the epidemic to sell us a vaccine may have consequences that go beyond public health.

Such rumors, folklores and exaggerated facts fuel new forms of xenophobia amongst nations, religions and races. The major idea seems to be the political misuse of a critical situation. Further to this perplexed Internet users who are ignorant of the severity of situation are sharing memes, videos or photos that make fun of the virus, even without any harmful intent, also risk spreading misinformation just to get attention.

There is a vulnerability of stimulating panic and confusion amongst masses. People no longer know who to trust and become more susceptible to manipulation.

  • Critically analyze the information coming through social media.
  • Don’t share information from untrusted source with your family and friends
  • Always try to verify the information through reliable sources
  • Don’t get carried away with “breaking news” from unverified sources.

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