Dissemination and Refutation of Rumors During the COVID-19 Outbreak in China: Infodemiology Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During the outbreak of COVID-19, numerous rumors emerged on the internet in China and caused confusion among the public. However, the characteristics of these rumors in different phases of the epidemic have not been studied in depth, and the official responses to the rumors have not been systematically evaluated.

Objective

The aims of this study were to evaluate the rumor epidemic and official responses during the COVID-19 outbreak in China and to provide a scientific basis for effective information communication in future public health crises.

Methods

Data on internet rumors related to COVID-19 were collected via the Sina Weibo Official Account to Refute Rumors between January 20 and April 8, 2020, extracted, and analyzed. The data were divided into five p

SUBMITTER: Chen B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7886374 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature