Addressing COVID-19 Misinformation on Social Media Preemptively and Responsively

Efforts to address misinformation on social media have special urgency with the emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In one effort, the World Health Organization (WHO) designed and publicized shareable infographics to debunk coronavirus myths. We used an experiment to test the efficacy of these infographics, depending on placement and source. We found that exposure to a corrective graphic on social media reduced misperceptions about the science of 1 false COVID-19 prevention strategy but did not affect misperceptions about prevention of COVID-19. Lowered misperceptions about the science persisted >= 1 week later. These effects were consistent when the graphic was shared by the World Health Organization or by an anonymous Facebook user and when the graphics were shared preemptively or in response to misinformation. Health organizations can and should create and promote shareable graphics to improve public knowledge.

Automated summary

Efforts to address misinformation on social media, especially regarding COVID-19, have shown that shareable infographics designed by the WHO can effectively reduce misperceptions about the science of the virus. These effects can persist for at least a week after exposure, regardless of placement or source of the graphic. Health organizations should continue creating and promoting such graphics to improve public knowledge.