When Seeing Isn't Believing: Navigating Visual Health Misinformation through Library Instruction.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Information Science
• Medical Librarianship

Background:

• Visual misinformation presents significant challenges to public health communication.
• The persuasive nature and rapid dissemination of visual content on social media exacerbate these challenges.
• Identifying and understanding different forms of visual health misinformation is crucial for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and categorize types of visual health misinformation.
• To develop and implement educational strategies for health sciences audiences and the wider community.
• To provide guidance on creating and delivering programs to address visual misinformation.

Main Methods:

• Librarians at the University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences Library System analyzed visual health misinformation.
• Categorization of visual misinformation into four key types: misleading graphs/charts, out-of-context visuals, manipulated scientific images, and AI-generated visuals.
• Development of instructional materials and programming tailored for diverse audiences.

Main Results:

• Four primary categories of visual health misinformation were identified and defined.
• Educational programs and strategies were created to address these types of misinformation.
• The study outlines practical approaches for implementing visual misinformation education.

Conclusions:

• Effective education and information literacy programs are essential to combat visual health misinformation.
• Librarians play a key role in developing and delivering these crucial educational initiatives.
• Proactive strategies are needed to equip individuals with the skills to critically evaluate visual health information.