Confronting Health Misinformation: A Discussion with the Surgeon General on Building a Healthy Information Environment

* WATCH THE YOUTUBE LIVE STREAM *

Image

Join the Stanford Internet Observatory for a conversation with US Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, MD, MBA, where he will discuss slowing the spread of health misinformation, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 

Health misinformation is a major threat to public health because it can cause confusion, sow mistrust, harm people’s health, and undermine public health efforts. Although health misinformation is not a recent phenomenon, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated an already growing issue. While information has enabled people to stay safe and informed throughout the pandemic, it has also led to confusion. The rising use of technology platforms, such as social media companies, online retailers, and search engines, can helped connect and inform people, but at the same time, many platforms can also drive misinformation to users.

REGISTER