Facebook is now looking to debunk common myths and misconceptions with a new “Facts About COVID-19” page. That’s based on a recently reported statement released by CEO and chairman Mark Zuckerberg. The executive indicates that the move is part of Facebook’s ongoing efforts to forward information about health concerns. And that there is some urgency in the matter due to rises in reported cases in the US.
The new page will, as noted above, debunk myths about the crisis. Mr. Zuckerberg provides an example, using one such myth that was seemingly initiated by the current US president. Summarily, Mr. Zuckerberg points to “rumors that drinking bleach” — or any other cleaning agents — will “cure the virus,” noting that it really won’t.
The underlying goal of the effort, of course, is to provide a counterpoint to the increasing spread of misinformation. The company won’t be putting the information in fact-check overlays on posts, however, as it has with some other issues. Instead, users will need to find the page for themselves. Mr. Zuckerberg says that will appear as a new segment in the site and app’s “Covid Information Center.”
What else is Facebook doing to address misinformation and debunk myths?
Now, those aren’t the only efforts Facebook is making on this particular front either. Aside from making a good attempt to provide details that debunk the biggest or most dangerous COVID myths, Facebook will also be widening the reach of its mask initiative. Those are encompassed in messages seen at the top of Facebook and Instagram. Summarily, those remind users to wear masks when appropriate. The company already put the feature in place in the US but will now spread it internationally.
The changes, as noted above, come in addition to previous efforts to debunk misinformation directly in users’ feeds. And amid news that Facebook may ban all political ads in a bid to prevent the misuse of ads on its platform as was seen in the 2016 US presidential election year.
Meeting with the experts
Finally, Mr. Zuckerberg announced that he will be meeting live with Dr. Anthony Fauci. That meeting will take place on July 16 at 2:00 PM Pacific Time.
Dr. Fauci, who serves as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Mr. Zuckerberg says. And the meeting will be to discuss the US response to the disease, what efforts are being made and should be made next, as well as any information about progress on vaccines.