Fake news in the time of coronavirus: how big is the threat? | Hugo Mercier

People assume that we ’re vulnerable to false information. But even in times of crisis, common sense usually prevails• Coronavirus – latest updates• See all our coronavirus coverageIn times of crisis, misinformation abounds. Covid-19 can be cured by ingestingfish-tank cleaning products. Coronavirus was developed in Chinese (or American, or French) labs.Cristiano Ronaldo and the pope tested positive.Why does misinformation flourish? Does all this fake news mean that people are hopelessly gullible, their anxiety making them receptive to the most blatant baloney?Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Coronavirus outbreak Infectious diseases Science World news Social media Digital media Medical research WhatsApp Technology Source Type: news