Digital technology has changed forever the way we communicate, build relationships, share knowledge, set social standards, and negotiate and assert our society’s values. Digital technology has also distorted facts and fiction.
We know that acting on the wrong information can kill. In the first 3 months of 2020, nearly 6, 000 people around the globe were hospitalized because of coronavirus misinformation. During this period, researchers say at least 800 people may have died due to misinformation related to COVID-19.
CCDH is a UK/ US non-profit that disrupts the spread of digital hate and misinformation. Anti-Vax Watch is an alliance of concerned individuals who are seeking to educate the American public about the dangers of the anti-vax industry. CCDH and Anti-vax Watch identified the top 12 spreaders of anti-vaccine disinformation on social media.
Who are these misinformation super spreaders?
1. Joseph Mercola
2. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
3. Ty and Charlene Bollinger
4. Sherri Tenpenny
5. Rizza Islam
6. Rashid Buttar
7. Erin Elizabeth
8. Sayer Ji
9. Kelly Brogan
10. Christiane Northrup
11. Ben Tapper
12. Kevin Jenkins
The Disinformation Dozen are responsible for up to 65% of anti-vaccine content
What can we do to help? If you see any post from these people – do not like or share – instead report. All social media platforms have ways to report false information. If someone in your social media circle is sharing anything from them – inform them that what they are sharing are lies. It has become alarmingly clear that these anti-vaccine individuals and groups are taking advantage of the current situation, and in many cases, are proving successful in their attempts to capitalize on any hesitations or fears with disproven claims and false information. The longer social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter allow these dangerous lies to continue circulating, the more lives will be unnecessarily at risk.
It is up to us – all of us.
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Dr. Melvin Sanicas (@Vaccinologist) is a physician-scientist specializing in vaccines, infectious diseases, and global health.