THE BIGFOOT COVID CONSPIRACY by C. Phillip Lock

See also: Media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, Deaths of anti-vaccine advocates from COVID-19, and Protests over responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

In addition to health effects, harms resulting from the spread of misinformation and endorsement of conspiracy theories include increasing distrust of news organizations and medical authorities as well as divisiveness and political fragmentation. Uncertainty among experts, when combined with a lack of understanding of the scientific process by laypeople, has likewise been a factor amplifying conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic. Cognitive biases, such as jumping to conclusions and confirmation bias, may be linked to the occurrence of conspiracy beliefs. While belief in conspiracy theories is not a new phenomenon, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this can lead to adverse health effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an 'infodemic' of incorrect information about the virus that poses risks to global health. Without evidence, some people have claimed the virus is a bioweapon accidentally or deliberately leaked from a laboratory, a population control scheme, the result of a spy operation, or the side effect of 5G upgrades to cellular networks. Several religious groups have claimed their faith will protect them from the virus. The spread of COVID-19 misinformation by governments has also been significant.Ĭommercial scams have claimed to offer at-home tests, supposed preventives, and 'miracle' cures. Many countries have passed laws against ' fake news', and thousands of people have been arrested for spreading COVID-19 misinformation. False information has been propagated by celebrities, politicians, and other prominent public figures. False information, including intentional disinformation and conspiracy theories, about the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic and the origin, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease has been spread through social media, text messaging, and mass media.

THE BIGFOOT COVID CONSPIRACY by C. Phillip Lock