The “Anti-Science” Movement and COVID-19 - Trinity Mathis
Picture source: https://www.wpr.org/photos-few-dozen-protest-mask-requirements-madison
Scientists and infectious disease experts are becoming increasingly frustrated with what they refer to as the “Anti-Science” movement. Ever since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a demographic of people who have questioned the validity behind the science of wearing masks, vaccines, etc.
Dr. Peter Hotez, infectious disease expert, says this mindset and spread of false information has made this pandemic even worse and more challenging to combat. Hortez also said that there was “ an active and unabashed anti-science disinformation initiative by the White House”. This furthered downplayed the severity of the virus and further spread misinformation. A model done by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington estimates that if 95% of people wore masks, 31,000 lives would be saved by May 1st, 2021. It is suggested that social media platforms start taking responsibility to regulate what is factual science-based information from misinformation/opinions.
Source:https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/29/health/anti-science-coronavirus-pandemic/index.html
Have you had an experience with an “anti-masker” or “anti-vaccine” person? What was it like?
Do you think it is the social media platform’s responsibility to regulate false information, why or why not?
What can you do to educate people about COVID?
I have had an experience with someone who was anti-vaccine, it was difficult to hear that the didn't trust the science since they were in my close circle of people that I interact with, however, following the conversation they did more research and got vaccinated. From my experience it is best to listen to how others feel about COVID-19 and remain level-headed when having a conversation where you disagree.
ReplyDelete- Carissa Bersche
Yes I think that social medias platform is responsible to regulate false information because with social media people are able see post in seconds that have something like big headlines to catch their attention. Sometimes people don't take the time research more into the topic and will believe the first thing they see. These platforms have a responsibility to fact check these sources before they are put out into the public.
ReplyDelete-Angeline Upchurch
Yes, it was interesting to hear why but lots was backed by misinformation. I think social media apps that allows for fast spreading information lead to mass disinformation which is an issue. To educate with covid posts and data backed by scientists should be a priority as well as providing a learning experience with diseases.
ReplyDelete-Tyler A.
Yes, I have people in my family that believe Covid is a hoax or that it's actually a bacterial infection and not a virus. I have a very close relative who sends my father a lot of videos from Facebook claiming that taking antibiotics could get rid of Covid, because it's a bacterial infection. Facebook has been swarming with so much anti-science propaganda, and they don't do much to regulate it. I feel like Instagram has been much better about it because they have a link you can click on whenever a post mentions covid.
ReplyDeleteI am surrounded by a lot of people who don't believe that COVID is a serious issue and only wear masks because it's a social norm now. I feel like most of the people who are a part of the "anti-science movement" turn a blind eye to the facts that they don't particularly like. They try to brush this pandemic off like it's a joke only because is interfering with their lives and wants and they don't like that. People like this are selfish and are disregarding the well-being of others. -Shirin Saha
ReplyDeleteone of my experiences with an ani-mask person was I was answering a call for my job and Kobe´s steakhouse and the person asked if we require mask and I explained that we require them while in the lobby but once you're seated you free to take it off. He continued to respond with well me and my wife dont like doing things against our will and I told him if that the case then he doesn't need to come here the I realized I sounded I wee bit unprofessional so i added that in order to continue to run our business we have to follow CDC guidelines and mask wearing is one of them. He basically said I was the wrong person to talk to and I just hung up. -Raquel Morgens
ReplyDeleteI've had experiences with some people not taking COVID seriously at all and it is really frustrating. Examples would be like traveling, hanging out in large groups, not masking, etc. It is especially annoying when these people complain about wearing a mask like it's a big nuisance/ big deal. In reality, wearing a mask is SO simple and one of the easiest ways to help stop the spread of COVID. I don't understand why people are so opposed to wearing masks, especially if it can help save so many peoples lives.
ReplyDelete-Trinity Mathis