Thematic Patterns of Disinformation about COVID-19: The Framing of Checks in the Fato ou Fake and Lupa Agencies

Abstract

This article, which integrates broader research, aims to identify the fake news patterns propagated in the process of disinformation about COVID-19 that were evaluated by the Brazilian fact-checking agencies Fato or Fake and Lupa. Aiming at this goal, we considered the strategies for spreading false information about the disease from January to September 2020. As a methodology, we used part of the procedures associated with media framing, focusing on the themes and labels of the checked information. Politics and death were the two main issues in misinformation assessed by the agencies, closely followed by themes related to cure and prevention. Personalities were particularly relevant at Lupa. The high frequency of the political issue reveals the ideological polarization that Brazil is experiencing, leading to global health crises such as the new coronavirus pandemic.

Percepciones de la ciudadanía española ante la desinformación en tiempos de la COVID-19

“…Finalmente, el fact-checking es una actividad consistente en desmentir y desacreditar las noticias falsas (Rodríguez Pérez, 2020;Tuñón-Navarro & Sánchez-del-Vas, 2022). La COVID-19 ha potenciado esta forma de luchar contra la desinformación Teixeira & Martins, 2021). Junto a los medios periodísticos, en el entorno digital han aparecido una serie de plataformas independientes que hacen de esta tarea su razón de ser (García-Vivero & López-García, 2021).…”

Adoption of Non-Technological Health Innovations: The Case of Mask Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil

“…However, the law would be sanctioned with several presidential vetoes (Library of Congress, 2020). Some criticized the arbitrary imposition of government authorities, alleging violation of individual freedom (Abud & Souza, 2020); others opposed using masks by spreading fake news about them (Gehrke & Benetti, 2021;Teixeira & Martins, 2022).…”