Social media and COVID-19 health misinformation: Evidence from Australia

Research shows that Australians from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds are impacted disproportionately by COVID‐19, particularly in the absence of assertive health promotion. Prior research also indicates that the prevalence of health misinformation is greater among minority communities. Common misinformation management strategies primarily focus on technical aspects and rely on fact checking and early detection of malicious accounts. This research project will address how demographic and behavioural characteristics influence the spread of COVID-19 misinformation among minority communities which might result in adverse health consequences. This study will also develop
mechanisms for combating the spread of misinformation among minority groups.