Prevalence of Misinformation and Factchecks on the COVID-19 Pandemic in 35 Countries: Observational Infodemiology Study

• DOI: 10.2196/23279
• Publication Date: 2021-01-04T19:59:50Z
• Authors: Meeyoung Cha; Chiyoung Cha; Karandeep Singh; Gabriel Lima; Yong-Yeol Ahn; Juhi Kulshrestha; Onur Varol
• Keywords: Misinformation; Pandemic

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by an infodemic, in which a plethora of false information rapidly disseminated online, leading to serious harm worldwide. Objective This study aims analyze the prevalence common misinformation related pandemic. Methods We conducted online survey via social media platforms and company determine whether respondents have exposed broad set claims fact-checked on disease. Results obtained more than 41,000 responses from 1257 participants 85 countries, but for our analysis, we only included 35 countries that had at least 15 respondents. identified strong negative correlation between country’s Gross Domestic Product per-capita misinformation, with poorer having higher (Spearman ρ=–0.72; P<.001). also found fact checks spread lesser degree their respective claims, following sublinear trend (β=.64). Conclusions Our results imply potential could be substantial low-income high-income countries. Countries poor infrastructures might combat not spreading can derail efforts saving lives.