Prof Heidi Larson, Founding Director of the Vaccine Confidence Project, discussed and summarised some of the key factors that pave the way for rumours and misinformation to spread. She also offered little nuggets of takeaways:
1. Don’t engage with a piece of information or news that you may think is false.
2. It’s okay to not have all the information and admit that you don’t.
3. Be mindful of the information you’re sharing on and offline.
In addition, Prof Larson gave a fascinating yet stark overview of how rumours and distrust seeded from the pandemic has led to #social cohesion erosion in many countries. The seminar concluded with a fireside chat where she was joined by Lisa Robinson, Head of Advisory & Policy at BBC Media Action, and Dr Yiyun Shou, IPUR Lead Scientist.
Check out other research presentations organised by IPUR here.
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