Mis- and Disinformation & Health Communication

Information Futures Lab study identifies urgent need for improved research on how to respond to misleading health information

The Pandemic Center kicked off a new Brown Arts IGNITE film and media series with the pre-release screening of Scott Hamilton Kennedy’s documentary “Shot in the Arm,” followed by panel discussion.

There have been anti-vaccine movements for as long as there have been vaccines, but our current information ecosystem leaves all of us vulnerable to misinformation. Brown’s Information Futures Lab aims to arm public health students and practitioners with next generation communication tools to meet the growing information crisis and its public health impacts.

On the Rhode Island Report podcast, Professor Claire Wardle says she remains hopeful that younger generations will figure out how to cut through the conspiracy theories, doctored photos, and lies.

A study by Brown researchers and colleagues estimates that the COVID-19 deaths of 1,464 Montanans—about 1 in 3—could have been prevented if every eligible adult had been vaccinated. “Montana is a very good example of a state that has seen consistent under-vaccination, and as a result, every third life could have been saved,” said study co-author Professor Stefanie Friedhoff.

The Lab will investigate the harms of misinformation, data deficits, outdated communications practices, and other barriers to meeting the information needs of communities.

How does a set of misleading videos online turn into a dangerous health crisis... all in the span of three days? Claire Wardle discusses the real life consequences of misinformation online.