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Effects of misinformation diffusion during a pandemic
Lorenzo Prandi1, Giuseppe Primiero1
1Department of Philosophy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Applied Network Science
|November 9, 2020
Summary
Misinformation spread during pandemics, or misinfodemics, significantly worsens disease outbreaks. This study models how malicious agents spread false information, impacting public health policies and societal outcomes during pandemics like COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
- Computational Social Science
Background:
- The spread of misinformation (misinfodemics) is a critical factor during pandemics.
- Understanding the sources and transmission of false information is essential for public health.
- Low trust in institutions is linked to the endorsement of conspiracy theories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the role of malicious agents in spreading misinformation during a pandemic.
- To model the impact of misinfodemics on disease diffusion and public health interventions.
- To investigate the effects of misinformation on societal responses to pandemics, using COVID-19 in Italy as a case study.
Main Methods:
- Agent-based simulation modeling the transmission of misinformation.
- Incorporation of a negative trust relation to represent the spread of false information.
- Analysis of the influence of misinfodemics on public health policies (lockdowns, isolation, distancing).
Main Results:
- Misinformation diffusion by malicious agents significantly impacts pandemic dynamics.
- Misinfodemics exacerbate the negative consequences of a pandemic on public health and society.
- The study quantifies the detrimental effects of false information on pandemic control measures.
Conclusions:
- Misinformation poses a substantial threat during pandemics, amplifying disease spread and undermining control efforts.
- Targeting misinformation sources and building public trust are crucial for effective pandemic management.
- Agent-based modeling provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between information, behavior, and disease transmission.
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