Charts comparing the recovery rate of COVID-19 with that of SARS and MERS can represent data partially by omitting crucial information, such as the spread and incubation time of the different viruses. This partial data visualization can cause people to underestimate the seriousness of the COVID-19 virus.

New York University

Google

Visualization of Covid 19 misinformation can occur commonly when:

data is represented partially 

Scale of the graph is manipulated

When the data is taken out of context 


Types of Covid 19 Misinformation Visualization


Doan, S. (2021). Misrepresenting COVID-19: Lying With Charts During the Second Golden Age of Data Design. Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 35(1), 73–79. https://doi.org/10.1177/1050651920958392

Misrepresenting COVID-19: Lying With Charts During the Second Golden Age of Data Design

Ducharme, J., Wolfson, E. (2020, March 9). The WHO estimated COVID-19 mortality at 3.4%. That doesn’t tell the whole story. Time. https://time.com/5798168/coronavirus-mortality-rate/

The WHO Estimated COVID-19 Mortality at 3.4%. That Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

When displaying the confirmed cases of the day, a logarithmic y-axis was used instead of a regular axis. 

Can lead to an impression of fewer confirmed cases. 


Covid 19 Misinformation Visualization: Case of Manipulated Axis


Data is visualized without telling the viewer about how the data is collected or what constitutes the numbers. 

Can be used to favor personal opinions, such as wishing to extend social distancing. 


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