Combatting the COVID-19 infodemic: the role of health professionals in promoting media and information literacy.

Abstract

The crucial problem of an infodemic that has developed as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is highlighted in a correspondence1 that was published in this publication. With social media and other media, the spread of false information and disinformation can have a serious impact on public health and safety. In order to foster critical thinking among people and encourage them to become media-literate citizens, the article suggests the implementation of a curriculum and competency framework for media and information literacy. I would concur that the COVID-19 infodemic is a major worry that could harm public health as a member of the medical community. The impact of the pandemic can be worsened by misinformation and disinformation regarding the virus, which can cause uncertainty, fear and inappropriate behavior. In order to counteract the infodemic with the aid of health professionals, increasing media and information literacy through a competency framework may be a useful tactic.