The COVID-19 pandemic is labelled an “infodemic” of misinformation, in which scientific findings have led to conflicts, partly fueled by disinformation from “politically motivated actors” that may “distort public perception of scientific evidence.” A recent study suggests in such cases, “misleading and inappropriate argumentation must be identified” so “they can be used to inoculate the public against their effects.” (May 5, 2022)
Category: Misinformation 101
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Let’s have a Chickenpox mythbusting party!
Out: Chickenpox parties
In: The chickenpox vaccine!Keep reading to join in on the chickenpox mythbusting party as we break down some of the stickiest misunderstandings about Varicella-Zoster.
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Out: Chickenpox parties
In: The chickenpox vaccine!
Keep reading to join in on the chickenpox mythbusting party as we break down some of the stickiest misunderstandings about Varicella-Zoster. #ScienceUpFirst #NIAW2022
[1/12] pic.twitter.com/jogT7ccrFc
— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced’Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) April 28, 2022
View our original Instagram Post!
View this post on InstagramSources- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- How Chickenpox Got Its Name
- How Did Chickenpox Get Its Name?
- When I use a word… Chickenpox
- Canada’s first universal varicella immunization program: Lessons from Prince Edward Island
- Changing varicella epidemiology in active surveillance sites–United States, 1995-2005
- Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide
- Fact Sheet – Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
- Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide
- Two-for-One: Chickenpox Vaccine Lowers Shingles Risk in Children
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Prompting Users to Check Accuracy Reduces Sharing Misinformation, Study Finds
Interventions that encourage social media users to check the accuracy of the news they share online reduces the sharing of false headlines and increases the sharing of quality news sources. The implications of the study, published in Nature Communications, suggests that reminding online users to check the quality of the news they share can reduce the spread of misinformation. (April 28, 2022)
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Follow these tips to help stop the spread of misinformation!
Follow these tips to help stop the spread of misinformation!
- Scroll on past that rage-inducing post! When we are angry we’re worse at spotting misinformation. Plus, posts that trigger big negative emotions are more likely to go viral. Take a deep breath and let it gooooo!! ☃️❄️
- Stop! Before you share a post to stories, ask yourself, “is this true?” This tiny adjustment can have a big impact on the amount of misinformation that you spread.
- Read past headlines. Before you share, make sure you are getting the full scoop.
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Saw a tweet that really grinds your gears?
— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) March 10, 2022
Scroll on! When we're angry we’re less likely to spot misinfo. Plus, posts that trigger big negative emotions are more likely to go viral. Deep breath, and let it go.#ScienceUpFirsthttps://t.co/qDYwpN2iybhttps://t.co/SqMbyPke1g pic.twitter.com/CRGaHFnoGWView our original Instagram Post!
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Down the rabbit hole
Worried a friend is caught in a web of conspiracy theories?
First up, that’s really tough and we are sorry
The good news is, people change their minds everyday. We break down the appeal of conspiracy theories and how to offer the people you care about a way out.
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People don’t just wake up one morning convinced “globalists run the Internet.” ️
To get to that point, they need to travel down the rabbit hole. ️
So what drives people towards conspiracy theories and extremism?#ScienceUpFirst
[1/12] pic.twitter.com/Pu4eUGld2S
— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced’Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) March 7, 2022
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View this post on InstagramSources- “Feeling of isolation makes marginalized groups more vulnerable to extremist propaganda.”
- Frontiers | Psychological Mechanisms Involved in Radicalization and Extremism. A Rational Emotive Behavioral Conceptualization | Psychology
- Alt. Health Influencers: how wellness culture and web culture have been weaponised to promote conspiracy theories and far-right extremism during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Full article: ‘Constituent Covid-19 apocalypses: contagious conspiracism, 5G, and viral vaccinations’
- COVID-19: How hateful extremists are exploiting the pandemic
- Anti-science extremism in America: escalating and globalizing – ScienceDirect,
- Alt-vaxx: A mixed-methods examination of vaccine discourse in white nationalist online communication
- Mounting antiscience aggression in the United States.
- Addicted to answers: Need for cognitive closure and the endorsement of conspiracy beliefs – Marchlewska – 2018 – European Journal of Social Psychology – Wiley Online Library
- QAnon: How the Anti-Vaxxers Got Red-Pilled – Rolling Stone
- How Facebook Groups Are Being Exploited To Spread Misinformation, Plan Harassment, And Radicalize People
- Ill Advice: A Case Study in Facebook’s Failure to Tackle COVID-19 Disinformation – ISD
- have you had these conversations? how did they go? #covid19 #madetosave #covidvaccine
- If you have questions about talking to friends/family about this, ask in the comments and I’ll try to answer as best as I can.
- America Is Getting Unvaccinated People All Wrong
- COVID-19 vaccine willingness among Canadian population groups
- COVID-19 vaccination coverage in Canada
- COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in Canada
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Put these tips into action!
Have you ever found yourself yelling at the screen, ready to unleash a flurry of facts and logic on a troll?
Getting into a heated exchange online might feel good in the moment, but it can also amplify negative messages in the algorithm. Instead, spend time interacting with posts you really like. A like, comment, share or save can give good content a real boost! Saw something online that you think is misinformation? Instead of sharing the link, take a screenshot and share that with a link to the correct information/ fact check. Put these tips into action and like, save, share, and send this post so we can fight misinformation, together.Share our original Tweet!
Your time online is valuable. ⌛
— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) February 24, 2022
Getting into a twitter beef with a misinformer might feel good in the moment, but it might also amplify their bad take. Block and scroll on!#ScienceUpFirst pic.twitter.com/9DPEOc0W3MView our original Instagram Post!
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Don’t fall into False Dichotomy Traps!
Misinformers will often present only two choices. This or that. Black or white.
This is the logical fallacy of false dichotomies. The truth is there are usually several options and a lot of nuance that gets left out.
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Misinformers often present only 2 choices. This or that.
But two seemingly opposite ideas can be true!
Come with us on a journey across the pandemic’s most popular false dichotomies. ️ And learn how the world is more nuanced than this vs that.#ScienceUpFirst
[1/8] pic.twitter.com/cdbolFvP4v
— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced’Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) February 17, 2022
View our original Instagram Post!
View this post on InstagramSources- Effectiveness of BNT162b2 Vaccine against Omicron Variant in South Africa | NEJM
- COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report – week 5
- Ontario Dashboard – Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table
- Effectiveness of Mask Wearing to Control Community Spread of SARS-CoV-2 | Infectious Diseases | JAMA | JAMA Network
- Coronavirus Recession Will Be Difficult to Fight – The Atlantic
- COVID-19 false dichotomies and a comprehensive review of the evidence regarding public health, COVID-19 symptomatology, SARS-CoV-2 transmission, mask wearing, and reinfection | BMC Infectious Diseases | Full Text
- Effectiveness of Mask Wearing to Control Community Spread of SARS-CoV-2 | Infectious Diseases | JAMA | JAMA Network
- COVID-19 treatments – Canada.ca
- Coronavirus Treatment: Is COVID-19 Treatable? | Johns Hopkins Medicine
- New COVID Antivirals Do Not Replace the Need to Vaccinate – Scientific America
- Vaccine equity | WHO
- Omicron Has Created a Whole New Booster Logic
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How lies spread: Learn to spot these 5 Misinformer Tactics
Don’t fall into the fake news trap!
Last month we put out a series of Misinformer Tactics
Here is a recap of common Misinformer Tactics so you can be on the lookout!
- Astroturfing. This practice gives the *appearance* of grassroots, authentic support but is really operated by just a few individuals.
- False Dichotomies. Misinformers will often present options as black or white. But in reality there are many different shades of grey.
- Red Herring. This tactic distracts from the point at hand to redirect the conversation. Feeling misdirected? Ask whether the information provided is relevant.
- Appeal to Nature. We have a bias towards things that appear to be “natural”. But natural isn’t always better and this bias can lead us down some dangerous roads.
- Causal Fallacy. When we see: A followed by B; our brains want to jump to: A caused B. But that is not always the case. Correlation does not equal causation!
Look through to see the amazing illustrations created by Jordan Collver (@JordanCollver on Twitter)
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Beware of the fake news trap!
— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) February 15, 2022
Last month we put out a series of Misinformer Tactics in collaboration with the amazing illustrator Jordan Collver (@JordanCollver).
Here is a recap of what to look out for
[1/7]#ScienceUpFirst pic.twitter.com/9SBTlegooOView our original Instagram Post!
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Are you getting the full picture?
Has a graph ever made you scratch your head?
Data can help us make smarter decisions, but raw numbers without context can lead us astray. Understanding the Base Rate Fallacy can help you avoid jumping to the wrong conclusions.Share our original Tweet!
Saw some head-scratching data?
— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) January 31, 2022
Understanding the Base Rate Fallacy can help you avoid jumping to the wrong conclusions.
[1/6]#ScienceUpFirst pic.twitter.com/GgSloPpXrnView our original Instagram Post!
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Misinformer Tactic: Appeal to Nature
Is “natural” always better?
A lot of us have a bias towards things that appear “natural”, “organic”, or “pure”. Many are willing to pay more money on foods and medicine referred to as natural. Some believe cigarettes labeled natural are less harmful – although this is not true.
This is the cognitive bias known as Appeal to Nature.
But natural does not always mean better or safer. As the illustration suggests, harmful substances like cyanide can come from nature. Apple seeds contain a substance that releases cyanide into the blood stream. Note: don’t stress, apple seeds in small amounts do not contain enough cyanide to cause harm.
This bias can lead to some dangerous decisions in the context of COVID-19. For some this might include a preference for “natural immunity” over vaccines. It is true that both can produce a strong antibody response. But natural immunity means exposing yourself and those around you to an unpredictable virus. A virus that can cause severe illness, lifelong health repercussions, or death. Vaccines offer safe, predictable, and effective protection from COVID-19. Natural immunity does not.
Thanks to Jordan Collver for collaborating with us on this post. Jordan is an illustrator and science communicator specializing in using the visual and narrative power of comics to explore themes of science, nature, and belief.
We’re working on a series of misinformer tactics with Jordan so stay tuned for more.
Check out his work on his website and on Twitter.
Share our original Tweet!
Is "natural" always better?
— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) January 4, 2022
Many of us have a fondness for things that seem "natural". However, that does not necessarily mean that it is not dangerous!
This is the cognitive bias known as a call to nature.
[1/4]#ScienceUpFirst pic.twitter.com/M5p0tqj4uRView our original Instagram Post!
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Misinformer Tactic: Red Herring
LOOK OVER THERE
A red herring is a misdirection used by mystery writers and misinformers alike. This logical fallacy uses parallel arguments that sound relevant, but are meant to lead you off the trail.
Here is an example of a conversation that includes a red herring argument:
Science Up First: “the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective,”
Misinformer: “If you cared about safety you would recommend ivermectin”
Red herrings can distract from the point at hand (vaccine safety) to redirect the conversation (ivermectin).
Think you’re being misdirected? Ask yourself if the information provided is relevant.
Thanks to Jordan Collver for collaborating with us on this post. Jordan is an illustrator and science communicator specializing in using the visual and narrative power of comics to explore themes of science, nature, and belief.
We’re working on a series of misinformer tactics with Jordan so stay tuned for more.
Check out his work on his website and on Twitter.
Share our original Tweet!
LOOK OVER THERE
— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) December 28, 2021
Red herrings distract from the point at hand to redirect the conversation. Feeling misdirected? Ask whether the information provided is relevant.
Thanks to @JordanCollver for collaborating with us on this! Check out our IG for more info.#ScienceUpFirst pic.twitter.com/dlvbh5KNlwView our original Instagram Post!
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Misinformer Tactic: False Dichotomy
“You’re either with us, or you’re against us.”
“You either love freedom or you wear a mask.”People who spread misinformation will often present only two choices. In reality, there are many shades of grey. Forcing people to pick from only two when there are many alternatives is the logical fallacy of false dichotomies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been filled with false dichotomies. Take the health vs. economy debate. Misinformers present these as two opposing stances, but this is not true. Economic experts and public health officials agree that strategies that reduce the spread of the virus improve the health of people and the health of the economy.
False dichotomies are often used to shut down, polarize and oversimplify debates. The next time you are presented with only two choices, ask yourself if you are getting the full picture.
Thanks to Jordan Collver for collaborating with us on this post. Jordan is an illustrator and science communicator specializing in using the visual and narrative power of comics to explore themes of science, nature, and belief.
We’re working on a series of misinformer tactics with Jordan so stay tuned for more.
Check out his work on his website and on Twitter.
Share our original Tweet!
You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill—you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes…
— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) December 21, 2021
But are those really the only choices, Morpheus?
[1/4]#ScienceUpFirst pic.twitter.com/VnuSaInUKRView our original Instagram Post!
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ScienceUpFirst CSPC Panel – Innovative tools to debunk COVID-19 misinformation
Throughout the pandemic there has been a significant increase in misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding public health and science that threaten the health and safety of Canadians. Misinformation has greatly contributed to vaccine hesitancy and distrust in public health measures, and has led to anti-mask, anti-lockdown rallies. More importantly, underserved and marginalized communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 due to inequities in our healthcare system. Therefore, it is important that we dispel misinformation around vaccines and create trusting environments in a culturally sensitive manner.
Science Up First presented this panel on tools and strategies some experts use when tackling misinformation.
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Does format matter when correcting misinformation?
It has long been suggested that how correct information is presented can impact the effectiveness of a debunk. For example, many recommend the use of a “truth sandwich” (facts followed by the corrected misinformation followed by the facts). But an interesting new study (still a preprint) finds that format really doesn’t matter. Good content is the key! (November 23, 2021)