Digital Inquiry

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How is misinformation regarding Covid-19 spread along different generations, namely young people and old people?
What is the disparity between what they believe is true, and what is true and how are their sources of information (Social media, Print Media, TV, hearsay) representative of this disparity?

We chose to focus on this particular topic because in the last months the current covid-19 pandemic has largely shown the very concrete and powerful impact misinformation can have. Theories stimulating mistrust towards official information and scientific studies caused the disrespect of governmental instructions, or even a lack of actions by the state, which in the case of covid-19 translates into a serious danger for people’s health. While fake news have always circulated in any historical period, the recent technological developments of sources of information (media and social media) have permitted an extraordinary amplification of their spread and so of their influence. Additionally we have assisted to a legitimization to a certain degree of these theories by some political leaders, as notably the US president Donald Trump, which has favored the circulation of these false news. Furthermore, we decided to take into account two generational groups because of the sharp age differences regarding the use of technology, sources of information and political orientation which characterize our epoc.

Inquiry for Digital Culture Class

D’Alfonso Gaia

Goffaux Elza

Hussain Shah Zain

Stedman Anita