Thread by @acarvin

THREAD: Rumors, conspiracy theories, disinformation. Alongside the pandemic, we’re now facing a #coronavirus #infodemic. It’s our civic duty - all of of ours - to fight it, as @GrahamBrookie and I write for @TheAtlantic. (1/N) theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/…

There is no doubt we’re facing a dangerous moment. While millions of us quarantine ourselves as the rate of infection grows exponentially, so to does the amount of info about #coronavirus - include a lot of false information. The @WHO calls this phenomenon an #infodemic. (2/N)

@WHO Have you seen the one telling you to take hot baths to kill #coronavirus? By all means, bathe, but @WHO is worried people will burn themselves trying to overheat it. (3/N) #coronavirus

And while the juryis out about the efficacy of #choloroquine, already one man has died drinking it after hearing @realdonaldtrump tout its curative promise. (4/N) #coronavirus

So what’s a person to do as the #infodemic gets worse, and we keep seeing info that might not be accurate? And how do we avoid making the problem worse? (5/N) #coronavirus

@GrahamBrookie and I came up with some basic tips on how you, too, can help curb the #coronavirus #infodemic. (6/N)

@GrahamBrookie CONSIDER THE SOURCE. Who sent you the info in question? Do they have a political ax to grind? Are they trying to exploit fears? Do they seem to have the best intentions in mind. Are they trying to be divisive?

(7/N) #coronavirus

CONSIDER THE SOURCE’S SOURCE. Where are they getting their information? Is it out to make a profit, or raise doubts about everything? Is it using evidence-based science, or conjecture?

(8/N) #Coronavirus

CHECK YOUR OWN BIASES. We all have our own belief systems, personal politics, and cultural values we hold dear to us. And we tend to trust others who feel the same way. Are you doubling down on your filter bubble, or considering the broader picture?

(9/N) #coronavirus

ASK YOURSELF IF YOU’RE BEING CONSTRUCTIVE. Before you share info, is it going to be helpful for everyone? Are you certain about your accuracy or are you just passing it along? Are you confident enough about it that you’d say it to your PTA or at your church? (10/N) #coronavirus

BE EMPHATIC, BUT ALSO EMPATHETIC. It’s natural to feel strongly about what’s going on and want to guide others to better behavior. But are you lecturing them? Are you being respectful and not condescending? Are you giving them the space to think things thru?

(11/N) #coronavirus

ANXIETY IS NATURAL, BUT IT’S ALSO VIRAL. We’re all going through a lot of stress. But are you projecting your fears so they spread as well? Take it seriously, of course, but don’t do anything that makes it worse. Tone matters. (12/N) #coronavirus

We’re all in this together. Protecting each other from the infodemic is as much our civic duty as measures we take to mitigate the the virus itself. Don’t forget your role in helping keep your community safe. Lives depend on it. END
(13/13) #coronavirus theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/…