JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a global “infodemic,” characterized by the rapid spread of health misinformation across digital platforms. This phenomenon undermines public health responses and erodes trust in institutions. This viewpoint aims to analyse the mechanisms, drivers, and impacts of health misinformation in the digital era, highlight international case studies, and propose actionable recommendations for global mitigation. I conducted a narrative review and synthesis of recent literature, policy documents, and international case studies, focusing on the role of social media, political actors, and regulatory frameworks in shaping the infodemic. Social media algorithms, political manipulation, and regulatory gaps have enabled misinformation to outpace factual information, resulting in increased vaccine hesitancy, resurgence of preventable diseases, and social polarization. Case studies from Finland and Taiwan demonstrate the value of digital literacy and rapid-response systems, while failures in the United States, Brazil, and India underscore the cost of fragmented or politicized responses. Combating the infodemic requires integrated digital health literacy programs, enforceable platform accountability, and an international framework for monitoring and response. Health professionals and institutions should lead proactive communication and advocacy. Addressing health misinformation is essential not only for public health, but also for the resilience of democracy and social cohesion.