MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Fake News In This Time of Coronavirus Pandemic

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Hello Alan

I enjoyed your recent editorial comment dated 5th April 2020 regarding the deluge of fake news doing the rounds on social media about COVID19, even if my eyes started watering somewhat by the choice expletives used! Most folks probably fully understand and appreciate the sentiment, though. Bluntness is sometimes the best approach.

Just wondering whether this crazy and uncertain time isn’t bringing out some of the mentally ill /personality disordered folks among us to spread their deranged version of the “truth”? A case in point seems to be this latest chap from the Western Cape who has broadcast his message on social media about virus testing kits supposedly being contaminated! He seems wholly convinced of this and also apparently has spouted another conspiracy theory, linking 5G technology and the spread of this virus…. Shades of paranoia, delusion and persecution complex…!

It is very trying to receive yet another video clip or voice note, mostly innocently shared by folks on social media groups wanting to do good…”Hello, I am doctor so and so from the University of XYZ and what I’m about to share with you is the only truth…” Yup, if there’s a groundbreaking scientific finding that will cure millions and stop the pandemic in its tracks, I’m sure social media will be the first place we hear about it……. or not!!

For now, I’ll very calmly delete all the miracle-cure snake-oil podcasts without a further glance… it saves data from running out, too!

Kind Regards,

Nina Bodisch

Editor: Dear Nina, I love to use naughty words for effect. Sparingly and appropriately is the best way.

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Port Elizabethan

This author is a 'catch-all' for occasional articles and letters written to MyPE. The Author of each article can be found in the signature at the bottom of each individual article.