January 12, 2022
I'll do my own research
This is my periodic reminder that misinformation spreads faster than Omicron. The false rumor that Betty White died 2 days after her COVID booster spread virally, within a few days of her death. The Washington State Department of Health was overwhelmed with protestors this week after disinformation was promoted that vaccine refusers would be locked up in quarantine. This false rumor was egged on by politicians running for office. Covid test misinformation is also surging as fast as Omicron.
Research shows these rumors start with a superspreader. Often misinformation can be traced back to the same few people. So far, our social media has failed at stopping the spread of false rumors. Indeed, many social media algorithms increase the viral nature of these rumors. People deceive themselves, accepting the rumor as fact, because of confirmation bias. Self-deception is common. Accepting information from friends is also accepted without question.
The dreaded phrase we hear in health care is “I’ve done my own research”. This means we will have a difficult conversation with that patient about a controversial treatment or recommendation. Science is often no longer in the picture. The conversations leave no one satisfied. I feel the disinformation leaves many vulnerable while increasing fear and anxiety.
Now some researchers are modeling how to counteract these algorithms to slow down the spread of false information. We need much more of this.
If something you hear or read is too good to be true, be skeptical. As Turnpike Tom says “you only fall for lies and stories when you really want to”. Be sure and check your sources and confirm before you pass on information.
Wash your hands, cover your nose (KN95 or N95 if possible), make sure you have your booster, and check your sources and be impeccable with your sharing of information.
And finally, my caveat is that this is my experience and my opinions, which are subject to change as more information is available, and not related to the organization I work for. Thanks for reading.
https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/not-real-news-a-look-at-what-didnt-happen-this-week-91/
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/protesters-descend-on-wa-board-of-health-after-misinformation-spreads-about-vaccine-plans/
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/covid-test-misinformation-spikes-along-with-spread-of-omicron/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220111153703.htm superspreader
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220107100652.htm Why people deceive themselves
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/03/opinion/dyor-do-your-own-research.html
https://genius.com/Steve-goodman-turnpike-tom-lyrics