In recent times, we’ve heard the terms “fake news”, “disinformation” and “misinformation” all over the place, and while this phenomenon is not new, COVID-19 has spawned a significant rise in false information being published on social media and other digital platforms. This has made it especially hard for people to know who or what to believe, and even harder for official authorities and experts to get the public on their side.

In our upcoming Critical Dialogue, we’ll discuss how the “infodemic” in South Africa has affected public perception around COVID19, its impact on public health and explore the potential implications it may have on the vaccine rollout.

Our panel of experts will be facilitated by Cornerstone’s very own lecturer, Dr Chikezie Uzuegbunam, who is currently doing his Postdoctoral research on fake news. He’ll be joined by Sarah Downes, who is completing her PhD in molecular biology & infectious diseases. She also spends hours debunking false claims around COVID-19 and vaccines on the internet under her alias, “Mistress of Science”. Martina Della Togna returns to the Critical Dialogue stage, and this time in her capacity as the Managing Director of RIA Media. Martina recently completed a research report on communication and misinformation in South Africa during COVID-19 and how it’s been dealt with.