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Malicious social media bots increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to influence public health communication
A groundbreaking joint study by Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and Aalto University has revealed critical insights into the role of bots in shaping public health discourse during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on Twitter. The information environment in Finland during the coronavirus pandemic was exceptional and intense in many ways.
The malicious bots may amplify false narratives, manipulate public opinion, and create confusion by blurring the line between credible and noncredible sources,” says Senior Researcher Ali Unlu, the primary author of the study. This unique focus allows for a detailed examination of external factors such as geographical dispersion and population diversity in Finland, providing valuable insights that are often overlooked in global studies. The research provides a roadmap for future studies and public health strategies to combat the ongoing challenge of misinformation in the digital age,” concludes Professor of Practice Nitin Sawhney from Aalto University’s computer science department.
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