Report

Tackling health misinformation in humanitarian settings using behavioral science

Busara

SECTOR

Health

PROJECT TYPE

Field Experiments

BEHAVIORAL THEME

Misinformation

OVERVIEW

Dealing with Misinformation in the Covid era

The COVID-19 pandemic has been plagued by misinformation, discouraging people from adopting preventive measures and jeopardizing their health. Judging the credibility of information is vital but challenging. 

Essential Communication Strategies

Understanding and addressing these factors are essential for effective communication strategies especially in an era of misinformation.

  • Effective communication strategies should consider the impact of feelings triggered by information, especially in displacement settings where fear and uncertainty can drive individuals towards misinformation. 
  • Building trust in the information source and countering mistrust is crucial, while leveraging the mere exposure effect by repeatedly presenting positive health-promoting information through various channels. 
  • Recognizing the role of availability bias and combating it through timely and memorable information is important. 
  • Additionally, overcoming confirmation bias involves using relatable and neutral sources, presenting objective facts, and using inclusive language. 
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