So far, AFP has debunk­ed almost 200 rumors and myths, but expert­s say strong­er action from tech compan­ies is neededNEW YORK: The biggest reputational risk Facebook and other social media companies had expected in 2020 was fake news surrounding the US presidential election. The novel coronavirus, however, has opened up an entirely different problem: the life-endangering consequences of supposed cures, misleading claims, snake-oil sales pitches and conspiracy theories about the outbreak. Part of the reason is that social media algorithms are geared to appeal to someone’s habits and interests: the emphasis is on likability, not accuracy. That approach – known as “accuracy nudge intervention” – from social media companies could limit the spread of misinformation, the report concluded. “Our goal has been to make certain everyone on our service has access to credible, authoritative health information,” he said.

Source: The Express Tribune March 29, 2020 08:48 UTC