Medical News Today: COVID-19 misinformation was 'entirely predictable,’ experts say
UC expert commentary on study of COVID-19 misinformation compared to other health topics
In today’s world of cultural politics, UC social media expert Professor Jefferey Blevins says “It seems that a lot of people look to social media not necessarily to find the ‘truth’ about anything, but rather to find information and commentary that supports their already-held views — hence, what social scientists call ‘confirmation bias.’”
Blevins, who heads UC’s Department of Journalism, said the above in an article where expers weighed in on a recent study at George Washington University. The research found: COVID-19 posts were 1.13 times more likely to link to credible sources than health-related posts prior to the pandemic. But among the COVID-19 posts that linked to “not credible” sources, these sources were 3.67 times more likely to contain misinformation.
Blevins recently published a UC study on the spread of medical misinformation during the earlier stages of the pandemic.
Read Blevins commentary on the GWU study, which he feels documents a situation that has worsened since spring 2020.
Featued image at top of Jeffrey Blevins. Photo/UC Creative + Brand.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Cincinnati Enquirer: UC students win Flying Pig races
May 6, 2024
University of Cincinnati students won championships in the 2024 Flying Pig Marathon, including the women's marathon and men's and women's half marathons, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.
Information Security Roadshow spreads awareness
May 3, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's Office of Information Security launched a series of 18 in-person sessions from January to April 2024, drawing nearly 350 attendees from the staff of various UC colleges and units. The Information Security Roadshow series aimed to equip the audience with knowledge on prevailing cyber threats, prevention strategies, how to report incidents and resources to stay informed and secure.
UC alum makes her mark in research, service
May 3, 2024
In 1960, as a young and eager statistician, Joan Reisch graduated from UC’s College of Arts and Sciences, and pursued a career in Texas at the Southwestern Medical Center where she’s held numerous roles as both faculty and staff. This year, Reisch was recognized for her career accomplishments and contributions with the Philanthropist of the Year Award by UC’s Alumni Association. This award is given to an alumnus who has been highly engaged in philanthropic activities with A&S, or has made a significant impact on the college.