The online information environment-Understanding how the internet shapes people’s engagement with scientific information

This report by the Royal Society seeks to understand how the internet shapes people’s engagement with scientific information. Information about Covid-19 is spread rapidly online, which can be great to inform people of current news surrounding the virus- however this report highlights the dangers that come alongside this. This includes the spread of misinformation surrounding Covid-19 that arises from the competition for attention online and the damage this can do. The misinformation includes topics such as vaccine safety, climate change, and the rollout of 5G technology.

A wide range of recommendations are included in this report to ensure online safety regarding misinformation. This includes governments and social media platforms not relying on content removal as a solution to online scientific misinformation and Ofcom considering interventions for countering misinformation beyond high-risk, high-reach social media platforms.