The COVID-19 infodemic refers to the overabundance of information—both accurate and inaccurate—during the COVID-19 pandemic. As highlighted by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, global health responses involved 'not just fighting an epidemic; we’re fighting an infodemic.' This rapid and widespread proliferation of information makes it difficult for individuals and researchers to identify trustworthy sources and reliable guidance.

COVID-19 Infodemic

A term used to describe an overabundance of information during an epidemic which can cause information seekers to struggle finding accurate information.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

When an information seeker is presented with an abundance of possible sources which can be difficult to sift through. This can cause relevant information to a search query to be overlooked. 

Information Overload

The study of the overabundance of health information and misinformation to a population which can impact health seeking behaviors. This abundance of information can create issues in finding accurate sources. 

Infodemiology

1st WHO Infodemiology Conference. (2020, June 30). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2020/06/30/default-calendar/1st-who-infodemiology-conference

Infodemics

Infodemic

The exponential increase in Internet publications, coupled with the emergence of extensive language models like ChatGPT, has resulted in an overwhelming knowledge overload.

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