Social media misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic: Impacts on public mental health

Abstract

Social Media Misinformation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impacts on Public Mental HealthIntroductionSome behavioral measures such as handwashing, masking or social distancing are among the most effective tools to combat COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectivesDescribe the extent to which major media outlets in the United States and Spain have tweeted about COVID-19 health related behaviors, and determine if differences exist between major media outlets in the two countries.MethodsWe analyzed contents posted on Twitter by 25 major media outlet’s (15 from USA and 10 from Spain) about COVID health related behaviors (HRB). News content were analyzed and classified as well as Twitter users’ reactions.ResultsMasking and quarantine were the HRB that generated most of the tweets. However, we found differences between media outlets in the two countries. Twitter user´s engaged more with tweets posted by USA media. Most of the tweets describing HRB from the general population were consistent with CDC/WHO guidelines.ConclusionsUnderstanding the public view of these HRB is necessary to design promotional strategies aimed at the appropriate population.DisclosureNo significant relationships.