Misinformation Rampant on New Virus
January 29, 2020
The newly discovered coronavirus that causes a potentially deadly pneumonia-like illness and is spreading rapidly in China has now moved into the United States, prompting a parallel outbreak of misinformation spread via social media platforms. In today’s wired world, this tainted info flow might be expected, a technology entrepreneur recently noted in Issues, calling for creation of a volunteer corps of scientists and communicators to quickly provide clear and accurate information to help society navigate the medical and social challenges of an emerging pandemic.