We all know the sad truth that coronavirus has caused many deaths all over the world. Did you know, however, that maybe some of these people could have been alive today if it weren’t for the lies and misinformation circulating on social media?
It is estimated that about 5,800 people had been admitted to hospital as a consequence of false information on social media, according to a study that was published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Furthermore, in the first three months of the year, at least 800 people across the world died as a result of coronavirus-related misinformation.
Many of the deaths were from drinking methanol or alcohol-based cleaning products, such as bleach. This was due to conspiracy theories and rumours that led people to believe that drinking these substances ‘cured’ coronavirus. Not only this, but social media scammers have also taken advantage of the situation by selling ineffective badges that supposedly ward off the virus. This led people to think they can attend illegal, non-socially distant gatherings with no consequence. Unfortunately, some of those people caught the virus and died because of it.
Written by Jasmine St Pier
Artwork by Zara Masood
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