Publishing

The WHO and CDC Are All Over Social Media, but Are They Making a Difference?

Platforms and health authorities have taken unprecedented steps, but early misinformation casts doubt on efficacy

Social media icons against a red background next to scientific images of COVID-19 — The World Health Organization has grown its social media team from two people to six just to support COVID-19 response efforts. Illustration: ChefBoyRG; Filo/Getty Images

April 5, 2020

As the coronavirus spreads around the world, it leaves a trail of misinformation in its wake. On social media, where the algorithms reward engaging content regardless of its veracity, platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube carry the hefty burden of cleaning up harmful rumors from innocent users, bogus claims from profiteers and disinformation campaigns from bad actors.

But if you’ve logged onto a social platform recently, you’ve probably seen something different. Platforms are giving banners, landing pages and free ads to the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health agencies around the world.