Coronavirus conspiracy theories spread panic and dangerous misinformation
By Tim Marcin
The deadly coronavirus has spawned dangerous, baffling conspiracy theories online as officials across the globe work to stop the virus' spread.
As of Thursday afternoon, there had been more than 7,700 confirmed cases of the virus — which originated in Wuhan, China — and at least 170 deaths. Eighteen other countries, including the U.S., have confirmed cases, according to the World Health Organization.
But as bad as the virus is, conspiracy theories and misinformation are making the situation worse. The internet is rife with misinformation about the origin of the virus and how to protect yourself from it. Some of it is dangerous, some strange, and some downright racist. All of it is seemingly designed to piggyback off the intense interest in the virus. Read more...
More about Social Media, Conspiracy Theories, Misinformation, Coronavirus, and Culture
January 31, 2020 at 02:47AM
via Mashable https://ift.tt/2S4NznB
Commenti
Posta un commento