President Trump was likely largest driver of COVID-19 misinformation “infodemic” per Cornell University study

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Cornell University

Corona virus misinformation:quantifying sources and themes in the COVID-19‘ infodemic’

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Abstract:

The COVID19 pandemic has unfolded along side what the World Health Organization has termed an “infodemic” of misinformation. This study identifies and analyzes the most prominent topics of COVID related misinformation that emerged in traditional media between January  1 and May 26,2020  based on a total sample of over 38 million articles published in English-language media around the world.  To our knowledge, our analysis is the first comprehensive survey of the traditional and online media landscape on this issue. We found that media mentions of US President Donald Trump within the context of COVID-19 misinformation made up by far the largest share of the infodemic. Trump mentions comprised 37.9% of the overall misinformation conversation, well ahead of any other topics. We conclude that the President of the United States was likely the largest driver of the COVID-19 misinformation “infodemic”. Only 16.4% of the misinformation conversation was “fact-checking” in nature, suggesting that the majority of COVID misinformation is conveyed by the media without question or correction.

 

On 10/1/2020 at 2:26 AM, NRSKarenRN said:

Misinformation and lying are his specialties; but people will still vote for him next month...unfortunately!

I thought misinformation and lying were the news media's job. LOL

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
2 minutes ago, Matthew Prazak said:

I thought misinformation and lying were the news media's job. LOL

Maybe it used to be but then Trump showed everyone how its really done.

I don't think there is any denying the man has blood on his hands.

I tend to stay away from the extremes. I will vote for him. Flat out, I do not like the Democratic Party's buy in of the UN 2030 initiative. Also don't see them doing anything to combat the effects of China's belt and road initiative. Blood on his hands? Not sure what that is all about

This is a nursing forum and the thread is about the Covid-19 pandemic. Trump’s relevance to this thread is his response to the pandemic.

Matthew, are you a nurse? The reason I ask is because you’ve started posting here just two weeks before the election and your posts seem overtly political in nature. 

Just a personal reflection from a European regarding your post; if you genuinely have a desire to stay away from extremes, Trump just might not be your guy.

You say that you’re not sure what the reference ”blood on his hands” is all about. I find it hard to believe that’s your truthful assessment. Whether you agree with the criticism of Trump’s handling of the pandemic or not, I don’t see how it’s possible that you’ve failed to notice that many of your fellow Americans are extremely unhappy with his response. If you’ve paid any attention at all to the world around you, you know it’s true. As I said, whether you personally think the accusations of mishandling of the pandemic have merit or not, don’t pretend to be unaware that it’s a contentious issue, especially on a nursing forum. 

Silly to blame one man for the effects of a virus the Chinese unleashed on the world and lied about initially.

Anyhow, with COVID, there is so much BS going on. You probably didn't notice as you are consuming what appears to be news from the lamestream media. Deaths per million, total tests, infections per million. All those aren't far off from other developed countries. I mean there is a lot going on in the world of COVID that doesn't make the lamestream media because it will not sell advertising. Those guys are about revenue and viewership. Facts take a backseat to that. 

And with all respect, none of your business what I do.

 

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.
9 minutes ago, Matthew Prazak said:

And with all respect, none of your business what I do.

Since you have chosen to post on a NURSING forum, our members expect legitimate healthcare and nursing information being posted. 

So when new posters post healthcare info opposite of our learned nursing education and practice, we want to insure accurate info and sources --and info is from a healthcare professional.

 

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Moved to Politics Club

2 hours ago, Matthew Prazak said:

Silly to blame one man for the effects of a virus the Chinese unleashed on the world and lied about initially.

Anyhow, with COVID, there is so much BS going on. You probably didn't notice as you are consuming what appears to be news from the lamestream media. Deaths per million, total tests, infections per million. All those aren't far off from other developed countries. I mean there is a lot going on in the world of COVID that doesn't make the lamestream media because it will not sell advertising. Those guys are about revenue and viewership. Facts take a backseat to that. 

And with all respect, none of your business what I do.

 

It may not be any of my business what education you have, but it has a direct bearing on how I interpret your opinions on healthcare related matters. Seeing as you refer to the media as the ”lamestream” media, I’ll let you in on a nursing secret ? The use of that particular term is pathognonomic of a certain political persuasion.  If my name had been Nurse Sisyphos I might have been tempted to start debating the points in your post. However since my name is Nurse Macawake, I’ll just leave you with the following. Rest assured, as a healthcare professional media is not my go-to source for Covid-19 related data. 
 

 

References please for your comments?

Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
On 10/5/2020 at 12:18 AM, karmax1 said:

Misinformation and lying are his specialties; but people will still vote for him next month...unfortunately!

Apparently conservative voters no longer value honesty, integrity, loyalty to country or accountability.  Go figure. 

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