From the Optimal Aging Aging Portal: When misinformation becomes viral

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Published: ​April 8, 2020 

The Bottom Line

  • A lot of people are experiencing stress and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), which can be exacerbated by a ton of information circulating on media and social networks.

  • Interventions to correct misinformation should provide coherent explanations that describe what really happened and why it happened.

  • Develop your critical thinking skills by asking key questions to determine if information is trustworthy.

 A lot of people are experiencing stress and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) due to the context of social and physical distancing, home confinement, uncertainty about the progression of the virus and when things will get back to “normal.” These feelings can be exacerbated by the ton of information in the media and on social networks about measures to fight the virus (which are sometimes different across the country and around the world), possible promising treatments and vaccines, and even conspiracy theories about the origins of the virus.

Misinformation (sometimes referred as “fake news”) is not a new phenomenon. That said, older adults are particularly vulnerable to misinformation. A study conducted in the United States revealed that Internet users over the age of 65 tend to relay more false information on social networks than younger users.

At a time when fake news is going viral, how can we fight misinformation?

Read the full article here.

The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (mcmasteroptimalaging.org), a unique online health resource created by McMaster University to support the healthy aging of Canada’s older adult population, is highlighting ways to stay active and engaged while practicing physical distancing during the current COVID-19 pandemic.​ Read more.