Researchers analysed the contents of 69 of the most-watched coronavirus-related videos as of 21 March. They found that 19 of the videos (27.5 per cent) contained inaccuracies; these videos had been watched more than 62 million times.
Inaccuracies in these videos varied from misleading advice, which could cause social disruption, to absurd conspiracy theories. Some of the false claims being made are that pharmaceutical companies are withholding a cure; that there is a stronger strain of the virus in Iran and Italy, and that the pandemic is a conspiracy by a “cult” to destroy small businesses and control the economy. These videos also included discriminatory terms such as “Chinese virus”.
“The proliferation and spread of misinformation can exacerbate racism and fear and result in unconstructive and dangerous behaviour, such as toilet paper hoarding and mask-stealing behaviours seen so far in the Covid-19 pandemic,” the paper said. “Consequently, this misinformation impedes the delivery of accurate pandemic-related information, thus hindering efforts by public health officials and healthcare professionals to fight the pandemic.”
Approximately one-third of these videos originated from entertainment news; network and internet news sources each accounted for approximately a quarter; consumer videos made up the final 13 per cent. Videos from entertainment and internet news sources were significantly more likely to contain inaccurate information compared with professional and government videos.
The reliability and quality of the information in each video were assessed with a scoring system: professional and government agency videos scored significantly higher for accuracy, usability and quality across all measures, but did not attract as many views, suggesting that they could be difficult to understand and lack popular appeal.
This is a “missed opportunity for dissemination of high-quality content,” the authors wrote, calling for professional and government organisations to strategise to increase the reach and impact of their more factually accurate and reliable YouTube videos, such as by working with popular YouTube creators to disseminate information.
A YouTube spokesperson said that any content that contradicts information and guidance about Covid-19 as laid out by the WHO is not permitted under YouTube’s policies. “Borderline” content which could misinform users in harmful ways is demoted, such as by reducing recommendations.
“We’re committed to providing timely and helpful information at this critical time, including raising authoritative content, reducing the spread of harmful misinformation and showing information panels, using NHS and WHO data, to help combat misinformation,” the spokesperson said. “We have clear policies that prohibit videos promoting medically unsubstantiated methods to prevent the coronavirus in place of seeking medical treatment and we quickly remove videos violating these policies when flagged to us.”
In relation to this atmosphere of misinformation, YouTube has recently found itself compelled to place a ban on material which makes unsubstantiated claims linking 5G technology to the coronavirus pandemic.