Combat Incorrect Information with this Helpful Tool

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Myth: Vaccines are linked to autism. 

Truth: In 1998 there was a scientific paper that linked the MMR vaccine to autism. These claims were refuted, and the paper was retracted. There have since been several other studies examining the relationship between the vaccine and autism, but no link has been found, according to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 

It’s easy to see how incorrect information is spread, disseminated, and accepted. 

These falsehoods can be dangerous and, when it comes to public health, deadly. 

And with social media at the epicenter of the threat of incorrect information, it’s never been more imperative to learn how to be better prepared to recognize and correct it.  

That’s why mySidewalk, an online data visualization platform, has created a new video to showcase how to combat misinformation. 

Let’s go over the tool and how to use it to correct the spread of incorrect information. 

Combating Incorrect Information 

The MySidewalk video, titled “Trust, Truth & Tactics: Protecting Your Message in a Misinformation Age,” goes over how mistrust can hurt credibility, ways to combat mistrust, and how to effectively correct misinformation to regain trust. 

The goal is to reeducate and debunk the falsehood and restore trust.  

The video also urges its audience to frame information in a way that doesn’t confuse or disrespect as to cause a misunderstanding about the message you’re trying to convey.  

The video is part of a larger series of videos tackling resilient data storytelling.  

MySidewalk poses the question: “How do you share critical information with confidence? Especially when access is in flux, ideologies shift, and advancements in technology don’t always make things easier.”  

The series covers topics such as crafting effective messages and navigating polarizing language.  

WATCH

Encountering Misinformation 

Some are more susceptible to incorrect information than others, especially those in communities with long-standing mistrust about health care. 

One of the biggest threats to health care is the incorrect information surrounding vaccines. 

Incorrect information over vaccines have been around for decades. But there has been surge in incorrect information over COVID-19 recommendations, including among Latinos. 

To combat vaccine uncertainty, Salud America! is telling the stories of people who overcame incorrect information about vaccines.  

Like Rosa Herrera, who was fearful after reading false information about the COVID-19 vaccine. However, she changed her mind after a bit of research and now she’s been granted more freedom to spend time with family.  

Or Jesus Larralde, who was nervous about the COVID-19 vaccine’s possible side effects. Despite his fears, Jesus got the vaccine after his wife and others he knew got the vaccine.  

“We need to learn, and we need to understand that we need to stop spreading this thing around. Because if we don’t take our shots, that’s not going to happen,” Larralde said.  

Improve Health in Your Community 

What’s the state of incorrect health information in your community? 

Find out by downloading a Salud America! Health Report Card for your town! 

Enter your county name and get auto-generated local data with interactive maps and comparative gauges on several health indicators. This can help you visualize and explore local issues in education, housing, transportation, food, health, and more. 

See how your county stacks up compared to the rest of your state and nation. 

Then email the Report Card to local leaders to raise awareness, include the data in a presentation or grant proposal, or share it on social media to drive healthy change in your community! 

GET YOUR HEALTH REPORT CARD!