Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic has seen a proliferation of myths, fake news, tirades, and diatribes, thus complicating and undermining the global efforts to counter the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic. This chapter seeks to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic can be confronted using a multi-pronged approach that includes library and information science practitioners educators and other key stakeholders. The researcher uses a qualitative research design based on literature review of primary and secondary sources in order to answer the key research questions. The chapter seeks to provoke discourse, generate a corpus knowledge, and stimulate further research on issues that are overlooked in a number of studies on the COVID-19 pandemic within the information science matrix.
TopIntroduction
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic continues to inflict havoc on the socio-economic psychological lives of many nations despite the multi-pronged fight waged against it by governments, regional bodies and the international community under the aegis of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Sahoo, Padhy, Ipsita, Mehra, & Grover (2020) contended that despite creating awareness and providing adequate information to the general public through multimedia technologies and distributing pamphlets/signboards at public places about infection control measures and mode of spread of the infection, still, there are a large number of myths associated with the spread and cure/treatment of COVID-19 infection in the society. According to the aforementioned authors, these myths are traveling from one person to the other, through social media platforms. Sahoo, Padhy, Ipsita, Mehra, & Grover (2020) argue that myths can be very hazardous, as these can lead to over- complacency and following some of these myths can lead to other health dangers. The efforts to mitigate and prevent the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic is being compounded by the explosion of myths, fake news, tirades and diatribes between the global superpowers China and the United States of America (USA). There is need for collaboration between the big superpowers in science and technology research in order to generate solutions to counter the pandemic.
Statement of the Problem
The fight against COVID-19 pandemic myths, misinformation and disinformation needs to be fought through a multi-pronged approach and access to hygienic information is one of such frontiers that should be conquered to ensure an informed citizenry. The spread of COVID-19 pandemic myths, fake news, tirades and diatribes complicates global efforts to mitigate and prevent the virus. An informed and metaliterate citizenry is an asset to any nation that is grappling with a pandemic of a biblical proportions like the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic. The COVID-19 pandemic situation throughout the world is characterised by tragic scenario of uncertainty, anxiety and fear as nations strengthen their resolve as a collective to fight the virus using a systematically coordinated strategy guided by WHO guidelines. If the aforementioned proceeds without a global coordinated approach, the fight against COVID-19 pandemic disinformation and misinformation will undermine the progress that nations have made since the outbreak of virus in 2019. There is need to conduct research on the COVID-19 pandemic misinformation and disinformation in order to generate knowledge to support policy makers and researchers to realise praxis-oriented solutions for the benefit of humanity. Empowering citizens with metaliteracy skills is key to building a mass of critical thinkers who will ultimately become the vanguard in the war against the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic.
Research Questions
The study is Guided by the Following Research Questions;
- 1.
What are COVID-19 pandemic myths?
- 2.
What is fake news in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic?
- 3.
What is the response of governments to the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic?
- 4.
How do COVID-19 pandemic tirades and tirades affecting undermine progress in combatting the virus?
- 5.
What is the role of libraries in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic?
Key Terms in this Chapter
Fake News: This is a portmanteau word because it is composed of two words. It refers false or misleading information presented as news. It symbolizes everything including misinformation, spin-doctoring and conspiracy theories
Tirade: A elongated emotionally charged speech of criticism or accusation.
Myth: Emblematic chronicle usually of a mysterious derivation and at least semi- traditional, that supposedly relates definite events and that is specially connected with religious belief.
Coroinfodeluge: The avalanche of COVID -19 pandemic produced daily at an astronomical pace versus the limited capacity of the human mind to analyse and synthesise and make sense out of it. It also refers to the overabundance of COVID-19 pandemic information and how it difficult it is for users to analyse and make decisions out of it.
Information Disorder: The sharing or evolving or peddling incorrect information with or without the intention to impairing someone or some people or institution or body politic.
Diatribe: A powerful and acrimonious verbal firepower onslaught against someone or something.