OPINION: Misguided communications are almost as damaging as COVID--The Hill

Misguided communications are almost as damaging as COVID Effective communication of risks associated with COVID-19 needs to consider imparting information in a format that the public can clearly understand. Erik Rifkin, opinion contributor TheHill

When it comes to COVID-19, complexity has taken the place of simplicity. Convoluted and confusing terminology is used to explain available data on the virus. Intentional or not, the result is the dissemination of conflicting and often misleading information being put forth by government agencies, independent scientists and other experts, and few people know how to accurately interpret it.

As a scientist for many years, I’ve come to realize the significance of differentiating what has proven to be true and that there are areas that need further study. This is critically relevant if one is going to effectively address risks associated with COVID-19. Further, effective communication of risks needs to consider imparting information in a format that the public can clearly understand. 

Not only is it counterproductive to explain information in a way that is difficult to decipher, but misleading graphs and charts of every sort have been used to manipulate information, leaving those listening angry, scared, unsure of what to do, and turning to unreliable sources for their health information.

Even the U.S. president and surgeon general have warned the public about the threat of misinformation. Recently, a critical care physician at Baton Rouge General said, “We have two pandemics. We have a pandemic of a Delta virus that’s ravaging our community. And, we have a pandemic of misinformation.” 

While it seems apparent to everyone that communication associated with COVID-19 risks needs to be more effective, the attainment of these goals and objectives, a “path forward,” has not been elucidated. The question is why. There is some concern that the messaging about COVID-19 is not straightforward because it is tinged with a political agenda. Whatever the reason, the results are clear — poor health, fear and in some cases, unnecessary death. ...