Oh, WhatsApp. It’s such a great tool for staying in touch with loved ones around the world.
But we also know the perils of unmoderated messaging platforms like WhatsApp: During Election 2020, we learned how fake news was being shared aplenty across WhatsApp. In 2019, we at Red, White and Brown even had an engagement campaign around misinformation across the platform.
Now, a team of researchers (at UCSF and California State University-East Bay) want to understand how the South Asian diaspora is sharing messages related to COVID-19 — and how much of that is misinformation.
It’s cleverly called the C.A.R.O.M. study. Like the game — get it? C.A.R.O.M.= Covid Associated misinfoRmation On Messaging apps
Here’s how the South Asian diaspora can participate, according to two of the researchers, Kamu Potharaju and Kiran Khosla:
Given that India alone represents approximately one-fifth of WhatsApp users worldwide, this study aims to better understand COVID-19 misinformation and rumors passed among South Asians — as well as community responses to misinformation — via WhatsApp in order to inform better scientific communication strategies for researchers and policymakers.
If you are over the age of 18 and identify as a member of the South Asian diaspora, please take a screenshot or forward any WhatsApp messages containing misinformation about COVID-19 to the CAROM study number: +1-415-409-9085. This could be about anything COVID-related: treatment, the vaccines or even a conversation amongst community members about misinformation. This is a global study, so messages from all continents are welcome! All information will be de-identified before analysis. For added precaution, feel free to block out personal information before sending. For any questions or clarifications, please visit carom.ucsf.edu or check out our Facebook page: facebook.com/caromstudy. Thank you!
I’m eager to see the researchers’ results.
In the meantime, be skeptical about forwards you get that aren’t linked to a reputable source, and check out the CDC’s guide to myths and facts about the United States’ COVID-19 vaccines.
Thanks for joining the conversation,
Vignesh Ramachandran (@VigneshR) Co-founder of Red, White and Brown Media
Red, White and Brown sparks conversations about culture and politics in the United States through the lens of South Asian American race and identity. Please tell your friends and family to subscribe to this newsletter and follow the latest posts on Medium.
