tag | misinformation

 Gene J. Puskar
February 9, 2021 | 5:47 AM

Facebook widens ban on COVID-19 vaccine misinformation in push to boost confidence

Social media platforms including Facebook have played a big role in the spread of false claims, hoaxes and conspiracy theories about the pandemic over the last year, despite efforts by tech companies to clamp down on harmful content and promote authoritative sources.

By Shannon Bond/NPR
 Kate Landis
December 30, 2020 | 7:47 AM

Even if it’s ‘bonkers,’ poll finds many believe QAnon and other conspiracy theories

The poll results add to mounting evidence that misinformation is gaining a foothold in American society and that conspiracy theories are going mainstream, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
By Joel Rose/NPR
 Chandan Khanna
December 10, 2020 | 8:12 AM

‘The perfect storm’: How coronavirus spread vaccine misinformation to the mainstream

The hoaxes also have been propelled by groups opposed to lockdowns and mask wearing, and by proponents of Qanon.
By Shannon Bond/NPR

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 Jeff Roberson
November 4, 2020 | 1:55 PM

A new Hippocratic oath asks doctors to fight racial injustice and misinformation

At the University of Pittsburgh, new medical students recited an alternative oath, drawing on current events and recent political turmoil to highlight the societal responsibilities of doctors.

By Sarah Boden/WESA
 Mary Altaffer
November 3, 2020 | 9:40 PM

Pennsylvania emerges as online misinformation hotspot

Misleading claims about voting in the key battleground state were shared thousands of times on Facebook and Twitter — even reaching their way to the Twitter feed of the president’s son, Donald Trump Jr.

By Amanda Seitz and Barbara Ortutay/The Associated Press
 Jon Cherry
October 30, 2020 | 7:59 AM

Black and Latino voters flooded with disinformation in election’s final days

"No single group of Americans was targeted by IRA information operatives more than African-Americans. By far, race and related issues were the preferred target of the information warfare campaign designed to divide the country in 2016," the report said.
By Shannon Bond/NPR
 Anjum Naveed/AP
October 28, 2020 | 3:59 PM

Recognizing misinformation amid the 2020 election

Multiple reports indicate those posts can confuse, polarize, and even disenfranchise voters. And security analysts worry the likelihood that votes will take longer to count this year, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, leaves more time for misinformation to spread.

Here are 3 things to know about misinformation (and disinformation) during the 2020 election.

By Alanna Elder
October 15, 2020 | 7:44 AM

When false information goes viral, COVID-19 patient groups fight back

The fear and uncertainty regarding the coronavirus have made online groups targets for the spread of false information. And to help fellow patients, some of these groups are making a mission of stamping out misinformation.
By Matt Smith/NPR
 Drew Angerer
August 6, 2020 | 7:20 AM

Twitter, Facebook remove Trump post over face claim about children and COVID-19

By Shannon Bond/NPR
 Patrick Semansky
July 6, 2020 | 5:33 AM

Facebook groups pivot to attacks on Black Lives Matter

These groups, which now boast a collective audience of more than 1 million members, are still thriving after most states started lifting virus restrictions.
By Amanda Seitz/The Associated Press
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