Last updated: 20 April 2020 at 4pm
Some online content can contain misinformation also known as "fake news". This can be information that is completely false, not fully accurate or not supported by experts.
Health is important to everyone. This is why false or misleading health information is a big problem.
It is really important to question where information has come from. Take your time to check it out against reliable sources of information. This will help you decide if you can trust the advice.
We can help to stop the spread of misinformation by learning how to spot it, not believing it and not sharing it with others.
The problem with fake health information
Fake news about health may give you the wrong advice about how best to manage your health and wellbeing. If you take false information as fact, it may mislead you into making the wrong decisions. It can also cause unnecessary worry and confusion.
During the coronavirus pandemic, it may change your behaviour and attitudes towards:
- the virus
- other people
- how to protect yourself and others
Why people create fake news
The aim of misinformation and fake news is to influence your views and behaviour.
People who create fake news may wish to:
- get more visits to a website - known as "click-bait"
- get private information from users - for example, "phishing scams"
- counteract accurate information with false information
- cause panic
- show popularity by how many people the message reaches
Why people share fake news
Sharing health-related information is normal. We want to prevent the spread of infection and tackle the problem by supporting each other. This is generally done with good intentions.
Sometimes people trust and share information even though it is not trustworthy.
We may do this because:
- the information is similar to our own beliefs or views
- there is a sense of urgency to help others, particularly with the elderly or vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic
- it seems accurate because other similar information and announcements have been shared online
Question where information has come from and take your time to decide if you trust it before sharing it.
How misinformation may appear
Misinformation can be difficult to spot. It can be a mix of accurate and inaccurate information. There can be some information from reliable sources with some from unreliable sources.
Some misinformation messages have contained some accurate information mixed with inaccurate information. For example, accurate information about washing your hands and social distancing measures mixed in with false details about coronavirus or protection measures. This combination makes the piece untrustworthy overall.
Other misinformation messages are completely inaccurate. For example, false information about activities involving the armed forces, government measures other than the official guidance and stories about treatment which are not supported by experts.
Some misinformation messages try to gain your trust by claiming to come from a reliable source. For example, a close friend or family of a member of an Gardaí or the defence forces. This is to try and reassure you that the information is trustworthy and worth sharing.
How to spot and deal with misinformation
The best way to deal with misinformation is to not share messages you don’t trust.
Question the source
Question the source of the information and identify who the author is. Are they trustworthy? If you are not sure, look for more information.
Find other sources of information
Identify other sources of information and compare them to the message and fact check.
Don't share chain messages
Do not share chain messages with health-related information without a trusted source.
Talk to the sender
If you think you have received an inaccurate message, speak with the person who sent it. Highlight that the information might not be accurate. Direct them to the HSE or other official information sources.
Consider the intention of the message
Think about whether there is a financial motive or an attempt to deceive you. It could also just be for the creator's enjoyment - this is known as "trolling".
Speak with friends and family
Speak with your friends and family about social media messages or online discussions. Make sure people close to you are not putting their trust in false information.
Advice for parents
Many young children and adolescents will be reading and hearing the same misinformation.
Talk to them about how to deal with misinformation. Have an open conversation to discuss any concerns they have about coronavirus.
Read the Irish Internet Safety Office resource about news and false information.
Reliable health information sources
Websites where you can find reliable information about coronavirus:
- Health Service Executive
- Department of Health
- World Health Organisation
- European Centre for Disease Control
HSE on social media
We are advertising on social media platforms to reach a large audience with our expert validated content about coronavirus.
We are working in partnership with Google, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Users in Ireland are now directed to HSE.ie content when they search for coronavirus information on those platforms.
For example, if you search for information about coronavirus on Twitter, you will see 'Know the facts' and a link to our coronavirus content.
Here's how it looks on Facebook and Instagram.
We continue to publish factual information on all our social channels.
You can get our updates by joining us on:
Beware of criminals pretending to be the World Health Organisation - WHO.int
Content supplied by Dr. Liam Challenor