Rasmussen discusses how focusing on the validity of information shared is contributing to “extreme political polarization of public health priorities.” She argues that there is too much uncertainty regarding COVID-19 and that immediately designating information as correct or incorrect is unhelpful and hinders deeper discussion on the evidence itself (as opposed to the validity of the claims concerning the evidence).  

Analysis of Angela Rasmussen tweet

Information shared regarding COVID-19 should be allowed to be discussed and examined closely without being immediately dismissed as “true” or “false.” “Right” and “wrong” designations of COVID-19 information can hinder deeper discussion of evidence if the evidence is not separated from the claims provided regarding the evidence.

Hypothesis of Angela Rasmussen tweet

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Angela Rasmussen argues that focusing on who is “right,” and when, gives oxygen to an “infodemic” and contributes to political polarization over public-health priorities. Because COVID-19 remained subject to substantial uncertainty, she argues that no one could claim to be definitively “right” about the pathogen.

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