Fake Hearsay is More Dangerous Than Virus

The social media and some regional news channels may have us believe that the very existence of humanity is under threat with the outbreak of coronavirus, or COVID-19, but nothing can be farther from the truth, though the situation calls for caution. The virus has spread rapidly across the world, affecting nearly 1.4 millions in atleast 184 countries now. But the World Health Organisation has confirmed that the global mortality rate for COVID-19 is approximately 3.4%. Unfortunately,From students to politicians, many smart people have fallen for dangerous lies spread about the new coronavirus.

Even some world leaders – who you would hope to have greater discernment when it comes to unfounded rumours – have been guilty of spreading inaccurate information about the risk of the outbreak and promoting unproven remedies that may do more harm than good. 

The flood of information available on the internet and social media, and those viral WhatsApp forwards, make it difficult to separate fact from fiction, while myths surrounding the virus range from stupid to bizarre.

Fortunately, psychologists are already studying this phenomenon. And what they find might suggest new ways to protect ourselves from lies and help stem the spread of this misinformation and foolish behavior.