NEW 🚨 A taxi driver from Florida, who believed false claims that coronavirus was a hoax, has lost his wife to Covid-19.
The couple didn't follow health guidance after reading on social media that the virus was fake, linked to 5G or like the flu.
bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-…
The couple didn't follow health guidance after reading on social media that the virus was fake, linked to 5G or like the flu.
bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-…
I interviewed Brian in May for an investigation into the human cost of coronavirus misinformation 👇
Whilst Brian recovered, his 46-year-old wife became critically ill and died this month from heart problems linked to coronavirus.
bbc.co.uk/news/stories-5…
Whilst Brian recovered, his 46-year-old wife became critically ill and died this month from heart problems linked to coronavirus.
bbc.co.uk/news/stories-5…
This is a very sad example of the real damage done by coronavirus misinformation.
It raises important questions about what social media sites and governments must do to better protect users from coronavirus misinfo in the coming months - especially vaccine conspiracy theories.
It raises important questions about what social media sites and governments must do to better protect users from coronavirus misinfo in the coming months - especially vaccine conspiracy theories.
Brian told me - “This is a real virus that affects people differently. I can't change the past. I can only live in today and make better choices for the future.”
But this story is not just about being wary of spreading disinfo. It’s also about reducing users’ exposure to it.
But this story is not just about being wary of spreading disinfo. It’s also about reducing users’ exposure to it.
More about this story here👇
This had over three million views on the @BBCNews website.
The more who are aware of the indirect and direct harm caused by online conspiracy theories in sad cases like this, hopefully the less likely this will happen again - since coronavirus + vaccine misinfo continue.
The more who are aware of the indirect and direct harm caused by online conspiracy theories in sad cases like this, hopefully the less likely this will happen again - since coronavirus + vaccine misinfo continue.
A reminder that sending Brian - who has just lost his wife - abuse is horrible and unhelpful.
As much as individuals have to take responsibility for their actions, the responsibility to protect users from harmful misinfo online lies with social media sites and governments.
As much as individuals have to take responsibility for their actions, the responsibility to protect users from harmful misinfo online lies with social media sites and governments.
