Demographic Factors Influencing the Impact of Coronavirus-Related Misinformation on WhatsApp: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The risks of misinformation on social networking sites is a global issue, especially in light of the COVID-19 infodemic. WhatsApp is being used as an important source of COVID-19-related information during the current pandemic. Unlike Facebook and Twitter, limited studies have investigated the role of WhatsApp as a source of communication, information, or misinformation during crisis situations.

Objective

Our study aimed to evaluate the vulnerability of demographic cohorts in a developing country toward COVID-19-related misinformation shared via WhatsApp. We also aimed to identify characteristics of WhatsApp messages associated with increased credibility of misinformation.

Methods

We conducted a web-based questionnaire survey and designed a scoring system b

SUBMITTER: Bapaye JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7850780 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature