covid-19 and misinformation social media analysis...social media. • google searches peaked on...
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COVID-19 and MisinformationSocial Media Analysis
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Volume Over Time, by Day
COVID-19 on Social Media, Blogs & Forums | United States
COVID-19 Social Media Post Volume
Language: English-onlyLocation: United States-onlyPlatforms: Twitter, Reddit, Blogs, Forums, Tumblr
(A) February 28• The day after Vice President
Pence announced appointments to the coronavirus task force
6.3 million
4.9 million
1.7 million
(B) March 12• The day after World Health
Organization announces COVID-19 has reached pandemic status
(C) March 17• California issues state-wide
stay at home order; US Navy ship to deploy to NY; widespread closings and cancelations begin
Unique Authors
92M▲None
Previous Period: 0
Total Mentions
115M▲None
Previous Period: 0
Social Media Mentions and Online Search Behavior
• Trends in online search behavior generally mirrored mentions of the virus on social media.
• Google searches peaked on March 12. After a brief dip, they rebounded and then gradually declined along with social media discourse
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Coronavirus: US Social Media Mentions and Google Searches
Social Media Mentions Google Search Score
Wide Range of Topics Discussed
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• A 6-week period from mid February through the end of March captured major events in the development and spread of the virus in the U.S.
• Trending topics were wide ranging, and included discussion around:• The pandemic status and
spread of the disease• The impact on specific
geographic locations (China, America, Italy)
• The impact on individual health and the healthcare system
• Prevention and mitigation strategies
• Testing and healthcare resources
2/19/20 – 3/31/20
Dynamic Shift in COVID-19 Topics
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• Toward discussions around social, organizational, and governmental control measures• social distancing• Quarantine• “Stay at home” measures
• With these measures, people will increasingly rely on social media• Get and share information• Work• Make/maintain social
connections• Role of social and other digital
media companies (and others) in managing misinformation is crucial
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/31
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• The World Health Organization specifically joined TikTok to launch a TikTok information series that provides credible information about the virus.
• As news develops and discussion topics shift, trends indicate that misinformation will follow. For example:• Misinformation around social distancing and shelter in place rules
are likely to increase given current trends.
• In addition to misinformation (incorrect information), and disinformation (intentionally incorrect information), confusion is also evident. For example:• Social distancing rules, specific policies in new/developing “shelter
in place” or “stay at home”• Treatment guidelines (e.g., malaria drugs, ibuprofen vs.
paracetamol/acetaminophen).
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Misinformation, Disinformation, and Confusion
COVID-19 Misinformation Examples & Response
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MYTH RESPONSE
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COVID-19 Misinformation Examples & Response
UNPROVEN RESPONSE
COVID-19 Misinformation: Social Media Platform Response
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COVID-19 Digital Media Response
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COVID-19 Pop-Up on Google SearchWikipedia Statement on COVID-19
World Health Organization Myth/ Fact Infographics
COVID-19 & Vaping: 2/25-3/23
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