The Negative Effects of Misinformation on Social Media During The COVID-19 Pandemic

By /
A detailed research poster titled 'The Negative Effects of Misinformation on Social Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic' by Bhavya Malhotra. The top features social media icons like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The 'Research Framework' section outlines how 'Social Media Misinformation' leads to issues with 'Trust' (Vulnerability, Safety, Reliability/Credibility), 'Uncertainty' (Ambiguity, Misperception, Cognitive Overload), and 'Well-being' (Emotional Consequences, Anxiety, Physical Exhaustion). The 'Research Questions' section asks: 1. Role of social media in spreading misinformation during COVID-19? 2. How does exposure to misinformation affect trust? 3. How does misinformation heighten uncertainty? 4. How does exposure to misinformation impact well-being? A large QR code with a lightbulb graphic is present for 'Learn More About The Project'.

The Negative Effects of Misinformation on Social Media During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Bhavya Malhotra

A headshot portrait of a young woman with a light to medium complexion, long dark brown hair parted in the middle, and dark eyes. She is smiling subtly with closed lips and wears a black long-sleeved top with a small red, white, and blue rectangular logo on the left chest. The background is solid white.

Biography

Bhavya Malhotra is a fourth-year student studying Professional Communication at Toronto Metropolitan University. She has also completed a certificate in Human Resource Management. Bhavya currently works as the Communications Coordinator for Media Architecture Biennale 2023 and as a Marketing and Communications Assistant for The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Research Summary

The coronavirus (COVID-19) disease spread an overwhelming amount of misinformation worldwide, which fostered an untrustworthy and uncertain environment. This was problematic as it affected many people’s lives in different ways. For this theory-based study, a framework was developed to examine how social media misinformation negatively affected trust, uncertainty, and well-being. Overall, the results of the study indicate a strong link between COVID-19 misinformation on social media fostering distrust, uncertainty, and a decrease in well-being. By analyzing the phenomenon of misinformation on social media, it was possible to observe that an overload of inaccurate information can also cause vulnerability, stress, anxiety, depression, and psychological disorders. In general, combating COVID-19 misinformation cannot be overcome individually. Instead, scholars, health professionals, government officials, and citizens must work together to prevent misinformation from spreading on these channels.

Tags

Covid-19, Communication, Social Media

Lightning Talk

Scroll to Top