Roundtable Discussion: The infodemic

Description

The term ‘infodemic’ refers to the spread of an excess amount of information, including false or misleading information, during a disease outbreak – in either a digital or physical form. This information causes confusion and risk-taking behaviours that can harm people’s health. It also leads to mistrust in the health authorities and undermines public health responses. An infodemic can intensify or lengthen a disease outbreak, because it makes people unsure of the best way to protect their health and the health of those around them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, infodemics led to ’fake news’, suspicion of relevant interventions, and even attacks on scientists. How should misleading information be handled – or censured? What can be done to curb mistrust in the health authorities? How was the COVID-19 pandemic affected by infodemics? And how can we avoid the negative effect of infodemics during future pandemics?

Period	11 May 2023
Event title	MatchPoints 2023: Global Health Challenges and Solutions
Event type	Conference
Degree of Recognition	National