Social Media's Role in Pandemic Misinformation

This chapter examines how social media algorithms influenced the spread of both credible information and misinformation during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the consequences of Facebook's changes to promote meaningful interactions, which ultimately allowed divisive content to thrive while reputable news sources struggled for attention. The narrative also emphasizes the urgent challenges faced by public health experts in combatting rampant misinformation amid a backdrop of confusion and fear.