![]() ![]() In this case, it might function like a fact check, addressing an inaccurate claim made elsewhere but not directly linking to that claim on the social media platform ( 18 – 20). When offered preemptively, a user shares the graphic as a social media post without addressing the misinformation directly. ![]() The first factor manipulates whether the graphic was shared preemptively on a social media feed, compared with whether it was shared in response to misinformation on the topic (we refer to this as placement). Such a graphic might be shared in multiple ways, which we also tested. Original World Health Organization myth buster graphic used in study of addressing COVID-19 misinformation on social media. Therefore, we expected that exposure to a post containing this graphic would reduce the 2 misperceptions among persons targeted by the graphic as compared with persons who did not see any information on the topic. Addressing the science behind why hot baths do not prevent COVID-19 infection also corroborates the argument with a science-based alternative explanation shown to boost correction effectiveness ( 6, 7, 17). These aspects fulfill many of the 5 Cs of correction: is consensus based, includes corroborating evidence, and is consistent, coherent, and credible ( 6). The graphic follows many best practices for combating misinformation: it is fact-based, colorful, simple, and easy to understand focuses on the fact rather than the myth and includes a label signaling that it comes from an expert source ( 7, 9, 10). In other words, this graphic explains the science for why hot baths do not prevent COVID-19 and directly disputes the prevention efficacy of baths. Temperatures needed to deactivate coronavirus are typically >56☌ ( 13 – 15), which exceed safe bath temperatures scalding is likely within 10 minutes at 48☌ ( 16). Scientific evidence suggests that hot baths can minimally affect body temperature studies have found a change of roughly 0.5☌ –1.0☌ in body temperature ( 11, 12). In this study we considered the effectiveness of sharing a WHO graphic (on social media) that debunks 2 related coronavirus myths: that taking a hot bath both raises body temperature and prevents coronavirus infection ( Figure). We aimed to determine the effectiveness of social media sharing of a graphic that debunks 2 related coronavirus myths. Previous research has found that observational correction, which occurs when persons see misinformation being corrected on social media and update their own attitudes in response, is effective for emerging infectious disease topics such as Zika virus ( 8, 9) and for infectious diseases such as influenza ( 10). Second, we considered exposure to someone sharing a specific correction graphic on social media, rather than to website material more generally. First, the graphic used in every correction was clearly labeled as coming from WHO, which may boost effectiveness compared with research that did not prominently display the source of the corrective material ( 4, 5). This project differed from previous research in 2 ways. In this study, we considered the effectiveness of sharing WHO’s myth correction graphics on social media specifically. These examples reinforce concern that repeating false information, even to correct it, can strengthen belief in the myths ( 6, 7). ![]() Likewise, WHO material debunking Zika virus rumors did not affect most targeted misperceptions and also reduced the accuracy of related beliefs about Zika virus ( 5). Material from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the influenza vaccine successfully reduced misperceptions that the vaccine can cause influenza or is unsafe but also reduced intentions to get the vaccine among those concerned about its side effects ( 4). Research regarding the efficacy of health organization websites designed to debunk misinformation has yielded mixed results. Misinformation is not a new problem, but it poses particular challenges for infectious disease management when public acceptance is required for prevention behaviors such as social distancing or wearing a mask.Īs part of the effort to promote good information over misinformation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has created and publicized shareable infographics (“mythbusters”) that debunk specific myths about COVID-19 ( 3). The uncertainty around the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, a novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has led to the rapid and widespread diffusion of misinformation about the virus, its origins, and effective prevention and treatment strategies ( 1, 2).
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