The World Health Organization called it the world’s first “infodemic”. Social media has made it simple to spread fiction about the Coronavirus (or COVID-19). And when you stir up all the mud from the bottom of a pond, it’s difficult to get clean water. Especially in places where the spread of the virus is serious, people are having trouble determining what information to trust. This has led to panic where it’s unneeded and apathy where people should really care.

This is what happens when algorithms curate our news feeds, allowing anyone with an Internet connection to be heard.