Infodemic and disinformation: systematic literature review on communication and health information strategies in pandemic situations
The research analyzed the dissemination of information and disinformation during health crises, such as pandemics, with the aim of understanding who produces, shares and consumes it, as well as its consequences for public health.
After analyzing more than 3,500 scientific articles on the subject, the results found by NetLab UFRJ highlight that, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic, disinformation spread widely on social networks, driven by influential public figures.
Although doctors and scientists are seen as reliable sources, many people turn to more accessible information, such as that shared by friends and social networks.
The study also revealed that an excess of information, including fake news, can generate anxiety and fear, while distrust of authorities favors belief in conspiracy theories.
The work was carried out for the Ministry of Health by researchers from UFRJ and UFF under the coordination of Professor Rose Marie Santini, director of NetLab UFRJ, and with funding from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq).