The coronavirus disease was spread all around social media, including fake news of the current disease. Many people in different countries have posted fake news about the disease, like for an example, people can get infected by the illness simply through video games. Due to this chaotic situation, it is said that at least 16 people have been arrested over coronavirus posts in Malaysia, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

It is relevant because many people all around the world could read those posts and become unaware of what the disease actually is and be informed with misinformation. I believe that arresting the people who have spread ridiculous information of the coronavirus was necessary in some way because the more misinformation is out there, the more chaos and misunderstandings between individuals will show.

Many examples of misinformation, confusing data and outright fake news present a clear and danger to public safety, health and security. As of today, precise and relevant information is strictly important in order to prevent a misunderstanding society, further reducing the risks of anxiety, scares or attacks within individuals. “The arrest of people are too far, but the spread of the fake news is considered to be a problem and it will scare people away.” (Conner Kim, 9th Grade, Troy High School) “People should stop posting misinformation about the coronavirus, it scares people and causes an even bigger issue than it already is today. It is necessary to provide accurate and real information about the disease.” (Ellie Jeong, 10th grade, Sunny Hills High School) Just as the number of people and countries affected by this new virus have spread, so have conspiracy theories and unfounded claims about it.

Already social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok, have seen a number of false and misleading posts about the coronavirus.

The best approach to this situation is to have more government regulations and filirating out any misinformation so that it doesn’t incite fear among people.

Targeting the news articles will help decrease public fear, resulting in a better and well reserved society. Reliable news and articles should be regarded as top priority and people should be careful with what they read, look up the information before they believe in it and trust what’s identifiable.

<Yeana Lee /Los Osos HS 11th Grade>