Technology makes it easier to spread information, share data, and keep everyone informed of the latest news and happenings around the world. But it is also the one thing that some people use to spread lies and misinformation online. It is one thing to share gossips in real life. But once it reaches online, it can spread like wildfire even if the news were far from the truth.
During the pandemic, everyone has their eyes stuck on every possible news source they can get their hands on. Some are waiting for news on the T.V., the radio, and the newspapers. But for the majority of the population, we spend more time online reading, researching, and digging more information about the current course of the pandemic.
But then, we are already fighting an infodemic before the crisis. An infodemic refers to the far-reach spreading and overload of unverified or false news about a problem. Even during these trying times, some people still manage to spread untruthful and inaccurate information concerning the pandemic.
Thankfully, online new publications and the healthcare industry can use different tech innovations to ensure the right information reaches the public. Here are some of them.
Search Engine Optimization
Before, only the large and successful brands would hire a professional consultant who specializes in SEO. They know for a fact how important search engine optimization is and how it can boost a company’s online reputation and conversion. Nowadays, SEO plays a huge role in dealing with information dissemination amidst the pandemic.
Online news publications and different healthcare institutions are now investing in SEO practices promoting the right covid-19 information to the public. Since the number of people searching for online information about the pandemic continues to increase, there is a need to ensure only the right and accurate data are presented to the public.
Google algorithms continue to change in hopes of providing a better user experience and more accurate results. In light of the pandemic, the search engine giant tries to do everything they can to rank reliable sources about the pandemic. This makes search engine optimization an in-demand service mid-pandemic.
SEO writers write SEO content in easily digested language. They use keywords often used by the public and focus on creating content that is truthful and supported by reputable sources. Since Google is becoming increasingly strict when it comes to the content it promotes, SEO teams try hard to keep up with the rules for better chances of ranking up in search engine results.
Businesses, healthcare institutions, and organizations now take advantage of SEO. They aim to provide the public with the right and the latest coronavirus updates. This helps the public easily find the information they need at the right time.
Social Media
Most consumers spend more of their time online on social media. This made health experts, healthcare institutions, and the government turn to social media to share the right news and covid-19-related information to the public. The World Health Organization is now working closely with different social media platforms in an attempt to spread valid news about the pandemic.
Some social media users use different platforms to flood memes about the pandemic. Others pretended to be infected. This forced WHO to use social media platforms to fight misinformation that is spreading online.
In February 2020, for instance, WHO joined Tiktok. Their first video describes how one can better protect themselves from COVID-19. They also provide a direct link to the World Health Organization’s website where users can get additional accurate covid-19 related information.
Search Engine Companies and Tech Giants
WHO also partnered with search engine companies and tech giants to deter misinformation online. The search engine giant is currently taking part in a pandemic Global hackathon along with other tech giants. Their developers are trying to find solutions to address infodemic by building the right software solutions.
Google is blocking content and advertisements that aim to capitalize on the crisis. When one searches for anything related to the pandemic, the search engine now shows an SOS alert. This serves as an easy way for the public to find reliable information from verified sources about the coronavirus.
The search engine giant is also making moves to erase misleading data and fake reviews concerning healthcare locations. They are currently using manual and automated review systems to make Google Maps a more reliable source of information.
These are but some technologies that are helping fight pandemic information dissemination. Now, more than ever, there is a need to spread only the right covid-19 news and updates. Thousands of stigma, gossips, and conspiracy theories are spread on the internet each day. It is crucial that we debunk all these covid-19 myths and only spread the truth. It is only when the public is rightfully informed can we all work together to fight the ongoing crisis.
