Toxic “Infodemic”: Notification and Information
In the past few months, the spread of the coronavirus has stirred up the globalized world. Panic and irrationality have advanced simultaneously. With comparable speed and intensity the same as the virus. Not only have people started to panic buy and hoard food. They have more dramatically pathogenic prejudice has spread and has set off both disturbing and alarming wave of discrimination against people of Asian ethnicity. This discrimination ranges from direct attacks to (unconscious) fear and avoidance. This can really be explained by the dangerous social media “infodemic” fuelled by false notification and information.
The establishment of the information economy, digital channels, and social media have all allowed greater international interconnectedness. The range for the sharing of information. At the same time, they seem to have introduced a new potential for discrimination as it also facilitates the uncontrolled spread of dangerously toxic content.
Embarrassingly, people seem to feel more relieved when they have a scapegoat that they can blame! In some way it is human. A reflex. It is a way to safeguard from actualities that are unknown. and also precarious and thereby stirs up fears.
Discrimination
Discrimination is often very subtle and there seems to be great divergence when it comes to intention and perception. This however does not justifies it in any way! Discrimination and stigma linked to disease are extremely dangerous. This can pose a real public health challenge. It can drive people to hide the illness or symptoms, not seek health care, and discourage them from adopting preventive behaviors.
In the case of the coronavirus, social media has not only propagated doubtful rumors on the emergence of the virus but also has brought forth absurd methods for prevention.
It must be noted that not only infectious diseases like Corona are linked to discrimination and prejudice. For many patients with genetic and chronic disease being labeled, stereotyped, and separated has become a daily routine.
Also, read Essentials To Carry During Covid-19
While this discrimination is most apparent in individual social interactions in the form of avoidance and abuse, it also operates on an institutional and structural level.
For example, having a certain condition can affect a patient’s access to public services like education, healthcare, and employment.
What can be really be done?
Facts and scientifically validated notification and information should serve as an antidote for the spread of misinformation and consequently discrimination. It must be the highest priority and responsibility of both state media. Such as TV, radio, websites, newspapers, etc. and politicians to provide objective data. It should not stir mass panic with dramatic headlines. Guidance to actions should be provided and the spread of fake news should be controlled.
