Saudis fight misinformation related to coronavirus disease

RIYADH: Saudi health officials fighting against false stories regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have warned citizens against the rising “misinfordemic” (misinformation related to COVID-19).

Several Saudi authorities have warned against believing the myths about COVID-19. Experts in many fields have told Arab News that misleading information can cause great damage.

Dr. Ali Al-Farhan, a physician and consultant, said there are a lot of fake stories surrounding COVID-19 on social media.

“False information means that false advice can spread very quickly, and can change human behavior, opening the door to greater risks for patients,” he warned.

“The Kingdom realized early that it needed to limit false information, so the government launched a daily news conference stating the facts. They also dedicated a special number (937) for people who would like to get more information,” he said.

Dr. Ali Alanazi, the chair of the School of Media at King Saud University, said: “Rumors are used sometimes as a weapon to undermine the morale of targeted people. They are extremely dangerous. One should verify the source of news and always rely on trustworthy sources.”

Alanzai said that it was “important for us to analyze a rumor in order to identify its objectives,” adding: “If someone starts rumors about the shortage of a necessary commodity during a crisis, this rumormonger wants to undermine trust in the government and its ability to provide sufficient supplies.”

Fake and misleading information can cause unnecessary panic in society and drive many to stock up on food. This could impact food security and deprive others.

As a result, some will buy food from the black market while those who cannot afford the higher prices will steal.

Turki Abdul Aziz Almatrouk, an assistant professor of sociology at King Saud University, warned that fake news can also cause needless worry.

In extreme cases, they could develop obsessive compulsive behavior around cleanliness. He said that some people develop skin issues from using too much sanitizer.

“To have doubts about the reliability of the news coming from official sources can cause mistrust between these sources and individuals.

Enemies can benefit from this situation and use it to spread more misleading information in order to destabilize a country,” he said.

Abdul Aziz Alhumaidi, a technology consultant, said it is difficult to control what can be spread on social media due to the absence of unanimous international legislation. He said rumors should be countered with educational messages that urge people to get news from the trustworthy sources. He said that social media websites have made the spread of rumors and fake news easier, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Turki Alrasheed, a legal consultant, said authorities should adopt draconian measures against rumormongers to reassure the general public.

He commended the role the Ministry of Health has played in raising public awareness about COVID-19. The consultant said more measures should be taken to debunk fake and misleading information and arrest rumormongers. He stressed the important role of the Public Prosecution in intensifying awareness campaigns about the consequences of rumors that cause public panic.