Fake news and disinformation in health care- challenges and technology tools

Abstract

The aim of this study is to define and analyze the phenomenon of fake news and disinformation from social media in healthcare ecosystem. Social media and web platforms can be used to spread misinformation, which produces harmful consequences to global health and well-being. A qualitative research was carried out by using semi structured interview with experts for collecting the data investigating the social, legal and technical environment that promote this phenomenon. In order to shed some light, software tools and web platforms are suggested to those in charge of educating users on their best use of internet for this purpose. © 2021 European Federation for Medical Informatics (EFMI) and IOS Press.