Research explores how conservative misinformation may have intensified the severity of the pandemic

[Zorro]

The three studies paint a picture of a media ecosystem that entertains conspiracy theories and discourages audiences from taking steps to protect themselves and others

Coronavirus infections have surged in a number of states, setting the United States on a markedly different pandemic trajectory than other wealthy nations.

There are many reasons our response to the pandemic tied to more than 120,000 U.S. deaths has faltered, experts say, including the lack of a cohesive federal policy, missteps on testing and tracing, and a national culture emphasizing individualism.

In recent weeks, three studies have focused on conservative media’s role in fostering confusion about the seriousness of the coronavirus. Taken together, they paint a picture of a media ecosystem that amplifies misinformation, entertains conspiracy theories and discourages audiences from taking concrete steps to protect themselves and others.

The end result, according to one of the studies, is that infection and mortality rates are higher in places where one pundit who initially downplayed the severity of the pandemic — Fox News’s Sean Hannity — reaches the largest audiences.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/06/25/fox-news-hannity-coronavirus-misinformation/

[crickets]

1. FOX News kills. nt

[SoonerPride]

2. There should be a class action lawsuit against Hannity

Sue the fucker for killing family members who believed his nonsense and lies.

[genxlib]

3. Too many words in that title

Research explores how conservative misinformation ___ ____ intensified the severity of the pandemic

Fixed it.