How is Covid-19 challenging journalism?
Next to the apparent health crisis, it has become clear that COVID-19 is causing another crisis; an information crisis. This infodemic spreads just like the virus, but in the form of dis-, mis-, and malinformation, infecting millions around the globe. One of the biggest issues is how little access people have to accurate and factual information from trusted sources. Journalists are on the frontlines of this fight between factual information and false and harmful stories and narratives. Armed with the truth, they are the ones who are debunking false stories, whilst reporting the facts, under enormous pressure of time and limited resources.
The following trends have become visible during the COVID-19 crisis:
- Misinformation about self-testing, cures and treatments are shared widely.
- States and non-state actors are using the COVID-19 crisis to spread propaganda and disinformation.
- (Mainstream) Media and politicians are caught sharing incorrect information, amplifying harmful stories and narratives.
- Minority groups, migrants, refugees, and the Chinese in particular, are being targeted in propaganda.
- Some dis-, mis-, and malinformation have led to violence and even deaths.
- Numbers, trends & statistics about the infected and deceased are being manipulated, taken out of context, or in some cases met with a level of distrust.
- False stories regarding quarantine rules and restrictions have led to panic, dangerous behaviour, and hoarding.
- Some actors are using disinformation about COVID-19 for financial gain.
- Social Media is key in the dissemination and amplification.
Once you have finished this unit, you should be able to:
- be aware of the risks of disinformation on journalism;
- distinguish between information, disinformation, malinformation and misinformation;
- learn from case studies how information disorder works during COVID-19;
- use tools and credible platforms to find verified and true information.