Misinformation refers to false or misleading information that is presented as true. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about COVID-19 circulating worldwide.
A myth, in this context, is a claim for which there is little to no scientific evidence. Many myths exist about COVID-19. However, this does not mean that every unproven idea is necessarily useless or that future scientific research won’t uncover some benefits. The real danger of myths and misinformation is that they can distract us from proven, science-based measures that do help.
If you hear about a treatment or remedy, it’s essential to consider not only how it might help but also whether it could be harmful. For example, some medicines have been promoted as potential preventatives, treatments, or even cures for COVID-19. However, taking medication without medical supervision can be extremely dangerous—even life-threatening.
It’s also important to recognize that misinformation is sometimes mixed with accurate information, making it harder to distinguish fact from fiction. Since science, especially regarding a new virus, has many unknowns, it is very easy for misinformation to spread alongside correct information for many reasons.
Some people may intentionally spread falsehoods to serve their own interests—something that has happened throughout history—and is known as disinformation. However, misinformation is often shared by well-intentioned people who don’t realize they are spreading inaccuracies. Even the most intelligent scientists are human, and distinguishing between fact and opinion can be challenging—especially because there is no clear boundary between the two. Scientific progress depends on forming and testing hypotheses, but during a pandemic, obtaining definitive answers takes time.
In science, there are scientific facts, which are well-established truths, and theories, which are ideas that have strong support but remain open to further refinement. Some theories are widely accepted and treated as facts until more evidence emerges. The way scientists communicate—both among themselves and with the public—does not always make it clear which ideas are confirmed and which remain under investigation. In fact, scientific progress thrives when researchers hold differing viewpoints, as competing theories drive further testing and refinement.
A good scientist prioritizes the search for objective truth over the desire to be “right” and is willing to adjust their views in light of new evidence. However, scientists, like all people, can be influenced by pride, profit, or personal bias, which has sometimes slowed scientific advancement throughout history. Despite these challenges, science as a whole tends to move in the right direction over time.
Clear communication about the certainty of scientific findings is more important than ever in a crisis. I am committed to making this website as clear as possible, but explaining scientific uncertainty is no simple task. Nonetheless, I will continue striving to present information in a way that helps people understand what we know, what we don’t, and how science moves forward.
My critique on the “Truth in Media” Episode 29 video
My critique on the “Truth in Media” Episode 36 video
WHO: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters
Why smart people believe coronavirus myths
FEMA (US): Coronavirus Rumor Control
Agence France-Presse: Fact Check
Snopes is a good site for discovering if something said about Covid-19 is misinformation.
Wikipedia: Misinformation related to the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic
From the news
PopSci: All the info you need to refute 5G conspiracy theories (June 12, 2020)
Shareable Science: Misinformation (May 29, 2020) (VIDEO 6:28)
- One interesting point regards how people are not comfortable with “uncertainty”.
One of the best reports of why there is misinformation. – MH
DW: Scapegoats: Virologists face death threats during coronavirus crisis
BBC: The importance of knowing you might be wrong (May 14, 2020) (VIDEO 6:22)
NPR: A New Study Explores The Spread Of Misinformation About Coronavirus On Facebook (May 13, 2020)
BBC: Fake News Generator: Who starts viral misinformation? (May 4, 2020)
STAT: Facebook’s Covid-19 misinformation campaign is based on research. The authors worry Facebook missed the message (May 1, 2020)
BBC: Coronavirus: Health claims debunked (VIDEO) (April 23, 2020)
Berkeley: Fighting back against coronavirus misinformation (April 16, 2020)
For more news about misinformation, visit the Science and Misinformation (Timeline) page on this site to see what the news has been reporting about it.