Misinformation and Lack of Evidence-Based Communication during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review.

Abstract

Social media and online communication are integral in how societies consume information today. As social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube) support the spread and reach of information to over a billion users worldwide, health promotion strategies aim to improve the public’s ability to obtain accurate online health content. The current COVID-19 pandemic is paralleled by an overabundance of information, making it difficult to determine what is valid and credible and what is false. Misinformation surrounding prevention measures and cures can lead to negative public health effects. The WHO is working collaboratively with social media platforms to track and respond to misinformation by validating evidence-based facts, providing warning labels on inaccurate content, and removing posts that make false claims to reduce the spread of misinformation related to COVID-19. This narrative review aims to summarize the effects of social media during a public health emergency and explore the current and newly implemented policies that aim to limit the spread of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will examine the addition of health literacy initiatives through multimedia campaigns to strengthen community action and develop personal skills, as identified in the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, to react and reflect on information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. We highlight a gap in the literature related to information sharing and consumption and provide recommendations for promoting public health literacy and improving the online presence of public health professionals.