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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• 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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