March 25, 2020
As the coronavirus spreads, Americans have to flatten the misinformation curve too
Overnight, Americans have become all too familiar with the call to "flatten the curve" by taking precautionary measures to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19). Fulfilling individual responsibilities in this unprecedented crisis, however, requires more than social distancing and physical isolation.
Digital interactions on social media platforms are increasing, as people's physical interactions are primarily restricted. With so many users seeking and sharing information online, the spread of misinformation about the pandemic can overwhelm social platforms, impede the government's response, and enable bad actors online. Every American must therefore do their part to flatten the misinformation curve.
Anyone can be a carrier of harmful misinformation. Because of this risk, members of the public must devote increased diligence to ensure that the information they share on social media and elsewhere is authentic and contextualized. This responsibility goes beyond merely improved "digital literacy." All Americans must embrace an attitude of "digital citizenship," treating online communications with the same level of scrutiny as in-person interactions.
Read the full article in Business Insider.
More from CNAS
-
Commentary
Technology & National Security
CNAS Insights | Unpacking the H200 Export PolicyAI Chips for China With two new policies, President Donald Trump has implemented his pledge to allow sales of NVIDIA’s H200 AI chips to China in exchange for a quarter of the ...
By Janet Egan & James Sanders
-
Podcast
Indo-Pacific Security / Technology & National Security
AI and Policy, Both Foreign and DomesticIn an episode recorded just before Christmas, Darren interviews Janet Egan, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the Technology and National Security Program at CNAS, about AI...
By Janet Egan
-
Commentary
Technology & National Security
Quantum Computing’s Industrial ChallengeThis article was originally published in Just Security. The United States, China, and Europe are preparing to refresh their national quantum programs in 2026, making this a pi...
By Constanza M. Vidal Bustamante
-
Commentary
Technology & National Security
Unlike Giant Companies, Many Small Businesses Can’t Afford AI Infrastructure. This Bill Would HelpThis article was originally published in on NOTUS. Massive private investment has propelled America’s AI leadership, but it also raises thorny questions about the technology’s...
By Vivek Chilukuri
