Scientists Protest Facebook Groups Spreading COVID-19 Falsehoods
(Facebook Groups Form A Hotbed Of New Crown Misinformation, Scientists Jointly Protest)
Hundreds of scientists worldwide are raising alarms. They say Facebook groups actively spread dangerous COVID-19 misinformation. These groups share unproven claims daily. Many people believe these false posts. This puts public health at risk.
Researchers from top universities signed a protest letter. They sent it to Facebook executives last week. The letter demands urgent action. It states Facebook groups promote fake cures and vaccine conspiracies. For example, some posts say vaccines contain tracking microchips. Others claim bleach injections fight the virus. These ideas lack scientific proof.
The scientists note these groups have millions of members. False posts spread faster than true ones. People see misleading content about masks. Some posts say masks trap harmful gases. Others deny the virus exists. This causes confusion. Then individuals skip vaccines. They ignore safety rules. Hospitalizations may rise as a result.
Facebook has policies against health misinformation. But the scientists argue enforcement fails. They want Facebook to delete harmful groups immediately. They also ask Facebook to stop recommending such groups. The company removed some content before. Yet new groups keep appearing.
Studies show online lies increase vaccine hesitancy. Health experts cite real-world examples. Some communities saw COVID-19 surges after false rumors spread online. The scientists stress this isn’t just online noise. It affects actual lives.
(Facebook Groups Form A Hotbed Of New Crown Misinformation, Scientists Jointly Protest)
Leading medical journals back the scientists’ demands. They say social media companies must prioritize facts. Lives depend on accurate information during pandemics.