The Misinfodemic and Its Effects on COVID-19 Preventive Strategies in Socially Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

Throughout the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there has been disparate misinformation on those already experiencing health and social inequities. Misinformation from online communities, friends/family interpretation bias, and in-consistent information from content experts exacerbate an already weakened trust in the medical system among socially vulner-able populations. When trust in scientific evidence is low, susceptibility to misinformation is high. Although trust is an essential factor in susceptibility to misinformation, it cannot be the only lens through which the impact of misinformation on socially vulnerable populations is examined. Patients need scientifically valid information in the face of a flood of misinformation and conspiracy theories. This can be provided through public health campaigns, community workers, and all healthcare providers. Vigilance needs to be maintained to dispute any unwarranted information to keep the population healthy.