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Social media platforms and health misinformation in India during the COVID-19 pandemic: A phenomenological study

Author Affiliations

  • 1Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

Int. Res. J. Social Sci., Volume 13, Issue (3), Pages 1-4, July,14 (2024)

Abstract

In the present times, social media platforms are commonly perceived as rapid and efficient means of searching, sharing, and disseminating health-related information to the public. This became much more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic that brought about a surge in health misinformation on social media platforms, leading to an "infodemic" that caused panic, confusion, and agitation among the public. While social media played a crucial role in disseminating health information during the pandemic, it also facilitated the spread of false information and fake news. This "double-edged sword" effect of media has created a need to understand the impact of misinformation and disinformation on the general public. This study aims to investigate the role of social media in disseminating news related to COVID-19 and its impact on the public. The study employs a qualitative data collection methodology to collect data on how social media has influenced the public's perception of health information especially during the pandemic. The paper explores the extent to which false information and fake news on social media have contributed to confusion and anxiety among the public. It also evaluates the impact of critical thinking and fact-checking skills on mitigating the effects of health misinformation. The findings of the study will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of health misinformation on social media during a pandemic.

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