Covid-19 Reveals Worst of Social Media’s Misinformation Culture

The outbreak of the coronavirus has had a massive impact at home and abroad as public facilities face closures, travel bans are implemented and infection and deaths rates continue to climb.

So too has the global pandemic shown us the very worst of social media’s toxic culture with the swell of misinformation that has come across our feeds in the past few days.

On Monday March 9, a video circulated on social media of a student being escorted from NUIG’s health unit to an ambulance by a figure in a hazmat suit, before being transported to University Hospital Galway. The video, taken from someone’s Snapchat story, is captioned “she has covid-19”, and features someone in the background speculating on whether the subject of the video has the virus.

The video was shared, retweeted and reposted on many other people’s Snapchat stories. This person, as it happened, did not have coronavirus. Pure speculation in the heat of the moment saw a totally unfounded rumour tossed around without a second thought.

Not only do we have to take responsibility for our health and the health of others in this trying time, but it’s crucial that we be mindful of the information we share on social media. A fabricated story can quickly grow legs if it’s given the time of day. One can only imagine the shame the girl in that video could have felt when such a vulnerable and potentially life-changing moment was shared on Twitter like it was a spectator event.

Unfortunately, that video is not the worst of it. The seemingly endless stream of falsehoods has swept across Ireland. The new course of action that has seen public facilities shut down and many businesses decide to close has led to a new wave of fabrication.

Perhaps the worst example was the fake voice message that was shared on Whatsapp, purporting to be from the Defense Forces, claiming that the country was heading towards a so-called “Status Red” lockdown. It was swiftly debunked, but not without first causing fear and confusion for many.

The reality is that the unprecedented situation brought about by the coronavirus has left us in a state of uncertainty. Schools and colleges are to close until March 29th. The evolving nature of the outbreak suggests that we can’t guarantee one way or another how things will develop.

Saying one way or another that students will be back come March 30th, or that we won’t be, is pure speculation. We simply don’t know. Indeed, the Taoiseach admitted in his televised address to the nation that this crisis could extend into the summer That is difficult, but it’s something we have to deal with and overcome.

Look after each other people. Think of the most vulnerable in society and help out wherever you can. Don’t panic, and for the love of all that we hold dear, wash your hands. Avoid misinformation where you can and don’t share any unverified information. Stay safe out there.