Factors Related to the Production and Sharing of Misinformation in the Coronavirus Crisis: A Commentary

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused many challenges especially in production and dissemination of misinformation among people. Dissemination of incorrect statistics about patients, the dead as well as those who have recovered from this disease, are some examples of misinformation. It seems that insufficient media literacy, complete trust or distrust of the media, the spread of rumors, fragmentation of information, social context, speed misinformation sharing, lack of ethics, different opinions between experts and authorities, the impact of time, and the neglect of the issue are all factors influencing the misinformation sharing. The causes of misinformation are different. Nevertheless, it seems that the main cause for all people is the lack or low level of media and information literacy among them. The realistic structure of dealing with crises must also be anticipated and institutionalized in society. On the other hand, the media can prevent dissemination of misinformation with transparency, speed and accuracy in disseminating information, and appropriate policymaking. These activities include quick determination of the spokesperson of the crisis headquarters during crises, the avoidance of other official’s opinions to providing information to the public, as well as the effective action of cyber police against the dissemination of misinformation in this condition noted. What has been mentioned as relevant factors in the present study is the view of the authors, and it is necessary to examine it by health researchers more.