Misinformation can prevent the suppression of epidemics.
J R Soc Interface
; 19(188): 20210668, 2022 03.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1886535
ABSTRACT
The effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, as control measures for pandemic disease relies upon a conscientious and well-informed public who are aware of and prepared to follow advice. Unfortunately, public health messages can be undermined by competing misinformation and conspiracy theories, spread virally through communities that are already distrustful of expert opinion. In this article, we propose and analyse a simple model of the interaction between disease spread and awareness dynamics in a heterogeneous population composed of both trusting individuals who seek better quality information and will take precautionary measures, and distrusting individuals who reject better quality information and have overall riskier behaviour. We show that, as the density of the distrusting population increases, the model passes through a phase transition to a state in which major outbreaks cannot be suppressed. Our work highlights the urgent need for effective interventions to increase trust and inform the public.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Influenza, Human
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
J R Soc Interface
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Rsif.2021.0668
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