Fake news related to COVID-19 is dangerous.
It can literally be a life or death situation right now, says Dr. Wright.
This led to not only hospitalization but also death, Dr. Wright explains.
To boot, it could lead to shortages of the drug for people who truly need it.
Believing fake news can make people distrust factual news stories from reputable sources and distrust scientific information.
There are some new social media features that aim to make it a bit easier to vet info.
psychology professor at the University of Central Florida
There are also apps likeNewstritionthat automatically help you vet claims in news stories and elsewhere.
Be extremely skeptical of any source that calls COVID-19 a hoax or insinuates that its not serious.
This virus is not a conspiracy.
It is not a hoax.
It is not political.
This virus is real, dangerous, and can be deadly, says Dr. Wright.
According to Dr. Wright, though, its still worth your while.
One of the main things to look for is the source of the information.
We are also presented with information on social media based on our previous usage and clicking patterns.
psychology professor at the University of Central Florida
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
If youre reading about a study, consider whos the author?
First of all, identify who authored the study and vet their credentials.
Who conducted the research youre currently reading about speaks directly to how seriously you should take it.
Do they have a PhD?
Are they a researcher?
Next, consider who paid for the research?
How many people were involved in the study?
Lastly, look at who published the study, because that matters too.
There are several online so-called academic journals that arebasically scam journals.
These are journals that provide articles free to read for consumers but charge researchers and authors high publishing fees.
There are few reputable journals that charge researchers and authors a publishing fee.
(Examples of peer-reviewed journals include theAmerican Journal of MedicineandJAMA internet, which publishes 11 specific medical journals.)
Consider that youre reading an articlewith an anglethat doesnt necessarily offer all the information on the topic.
Sometimes, they can cover it incorrectly.
Journalists and news reporters are not researchers or scientists.
When youre reading a journalists interpretation of a study, check to see if they interviewed a medical professional.
Did they link back to the original study?
And, if you read the study yourself, would your understanding align with what they wrote?
Reading an article shouldnt be a dead-end; it should be step one.
Beware the viral meme.
This story was originally published on July 7, 2020.
It was updated on August 4, 2020.
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