INFODEMIC MANAGEMENT: ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

Author: SAMEERA RANASINGHE

Information is an essential component of health management, which has grown exponentially with the development of digital and social media platforms. However, the availability of sources has resulted in an excess of information, which is called an infodemic. The abundance of information does not necessarily mean that the facts shared are always truthful, as misinformation (false information) and disinformation (information shared with malicious intent) also spread. Such misinformation has negative repercussions: mistrust towards the health system and health interventions, promotion of risk-taking behaviours, jeopardizing health management strategies, and ultimately, negative health impacts. Hence, infodemic management has been identified as a priority public health responsibility, especially during emergency situations such as COVID-19.