UNESCO launched a new campaign to help identify, debunk, and report on conspiracy theories in order to prevent their spread. ."Conspiracy theories cause real harm to people, to their health, and also to their physical safety. They amplify and legitimize misconceptions about the pandemic, and reinforce stereotypes which can fuel violence and violent extremist ideologies," said UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay. .As part of its campaign, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization released 10 infographs on how to identify and counter conspiracy theories. .One of the graphics claims conspiracy theories can target or discriminate against an "entire group perceived as the enemy behind a real or imagined threat," which can end up encouraging extremism.."They spread mistrust in public institutions, which can lead to political apathy or radicalization," it reads..Another post claimed people who firmly believe in conspiracy theories are "extremely hard to reach," and recommends debunking with "facts and logic."."Provide a fact-based alternative explanation. If possible, use visual aids to back your argument.".A post on COVID-19 misinformation said the fear and complexity of the pandemic has lead many to attempt to explain why it happened and who benefits from it. Examples of misinformation include claims COVID-19 was created in a laboratory, that public health measures like vaccines and masks are attempts to control society, or cures for the virus are being withheld from the population.."Keep in mind: nobody is responsible for creating COVID-19, but we can all help curb the outbreak," reads one poster..One post said journalists should report on conspiracy theories without amplifying or reinforcing them. Reporters are encouraged to use core facts in headlines, warn about conspiracy theories circulating before referencing them, and explain exactly how they are misleading..The link between conspiracy theories and antisemitism was also explained in the campaign. It said Jews have been blamed for wars, diseases, and economic crises for centuries, and warned that beliefs about Jews that control governments, banks, and the media are antisemitic..This UNESCO campaign was implemented jointly with the European Commission, Twitter, and the World Jewish Congress.
