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
- beware of COVID-19 testing and vaccine scams
- know how to spot and deal with misinformation
- use reliable information sources
We can help to stop the spread of misinformation by learning how to spot it, not believing it and not sharing it with others.
Telephone and internet scams
Some people may use this pandemic to try and get private information from you. This is known as 'phishing'.
You should never give your bank details or PIN to someone over the phone or online.
COVID-19 testing or vaccine scams
We will never ask you for your bank details or to pay for COVID-19 testing.
There is no charge for COVID-19 testing or vaccines through the HSE.
Ring HSELive on 1800 700 700 if you have any concerns or suspicions. You should also contact your local Gardaí.
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 COVID-19 pandemic, it may change your behaviour and attitudes towards:
- the virus
- COVID-19 vaccines
- 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 COVID-19 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 COVID-19 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 that 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 do not 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 COVID-19.
Read the Irish Internet Safety Office resource about news and false information
Reliable health information sources
Websites where you can find reliable information about COVID-19:
- Health Service Executive
- Department of Health
- World Health Organisation
- European Centre for Disease Control
HSE on social media
All HSE information about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines is approved by experts. We advertise this information on social media platforms so that it reaches a large audience.
We work in partnership with Google, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. People in Ireland are directed to trusted HSE.ie content when they search for COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccine information.
For example, if you search for information about COVID-19 vaccines on Twitter, you will see 'Know the facts' and a link to our COVID-19 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
Last updated: 22 April 2021 at 5.30pm
