infodemic

An infodemic refers to a rapid and widespread dissemination of both accurate and inaccurate information during a crisis, particularly in relation to public health emergencies. The term combines "information" and "epidemic" to describe the overwhelming surge of data—true, false, or misleading—spreading through traditional media and digital platforms. The term gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, as misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories about the virus, vaccines, treatments, and government responses flooded social media channels, news outlets, and messaging apps.

An infodemic can be as harmful as a physical epidemic. It can create confusion, fuel mistrust in institutions, spread panic, and encourage dangerous behaviors. For example, false claims about the origins of the virus, unproven remedies, and manipulated videos have circulated widely, influencing public perception and health decisions. It not only hampers efforts to contain a disease but also damages trust in scientific information and government interventions.