Formats
Accessible version
If you require an accessible version please contact [email protected] and cite "Proactive Release: Unite Against the COVID-19 Infodemic - September 2022 Kantar Public" as a reference.
Proactive Release#
The following document has been proactively released by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC), on behalf of the Minister of Health, Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall:
Unite Against the COVID-19 Infodemic – September 2022 Kantar Public
Research report into COVID-19 information environment and misinformation environment in New Zealand.
The report#
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet commissioned a survey report to provide insights and sentiments into the COVID-19 information and misinformation environment in New Zealand.
The report will help inform how we respond to the ever-changing global information environment – to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all New Zealanders.
The report follows on from the Classification Office Te Mana Whakaatu 2021 ‘the Edge of the Infodemic’ report, which looked at the general misinformation landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Defining misinformation#
We have used the term ‘misinformation’ when referring to any information that is false and misleading, including misinformation (false information not intended to hurt others), disinformation (false information intended to hurt others), and mal-information (true information used to intentionally to mislead others).
Demographics#
The survey found that views on various issues were broadly similar irrespective of characteristics like age, gender, ethnicity, religion etc. There were some significant differences, but the commonalities tended to be stronger.
The report did not specifically analyse misinformation in languages other than English. We recognise that different ethnic groups may be exposed to misinformation in different languages.
For groups in New Zealand with lived experience of systemic inequality, neglect, or discrimination, including racism, for example within New Zealand’s Māori and Pasifika communities, distrust of government and media can become intergenerational. These are factors that can enable disinformation narratives to gain traction, including by being directly targeted by bad actors to drive polarisation between different groups in society.
Our environment#
Misinformation is not new in New Zealand, however, the growth of the internet and emergence of online platforms has led to domestic influencers becoming adept at picking up conspiracy theories from overseas and repackaging them for domestic consumption.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided the perfect storm of 21st century technological reach and people spending more time online than ever before, sometimes while isolated from their usual support networks. This online shift has allowed for rapid dissemination of information, aiding the spread of useful information while also enabling the amplification of harmful or false information.
The findings#
Misinformation has undoubtedly impacted the public health response to COVID-19. We heard that 34% of respondents identified impacts that COVID-19 misinformation has had on them or their community. For some, this has included real and perceived rejection from friends, whānau, and wider communities for their beliefs and choices.
72% of respondents feel the spread of misinformation on social, economic and justice issues (not just COVID-19) are a serious threat to our democracy. Misinformation could contribute to levels of mistrust of government, law enforcement, and community institutions.
Disturbingly, this survey identified that 8% believe that threatening to hurt someone is an acceptable way to achieve change. The potential of propensity to violence as a justified response to public policy is an obvious area of concern.
The survey presented a combination of false and true statements such as ‘In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon’ and ‘Climate change is real’. At least 81% of respondents held at least one belief related to misinformation.
54% of respondents who strongly believe in misinformation have avoided or stopped watching or reading mainstream media.
What can be done?#
It is important to avoid viewing the situation as irredeemable. This research shows that where believers of misinformation diverge from mainstream society there is a tendency to trivialise their beliefs as being ‘gullible’ or ‘vulnerable’, which can further isolate people.
The feeling of social inclusion and belonging is key to overcoming these beliefs. Despite various beliefs, making an effort to socially include each other, especially those who are isolated is paramount to rebuilding our social trust in each other and restoring a sense of belonging.
We are all responsible for taking steps to critically analyse the information we take in, identify the source and any bias.
Six ways to help spot misinformation#
- Use multiple sources of information to help spot fake news
- Read past the headline and check credentials such as the date and author
- Question numbers and figures - check the reference
- Check tone and language and identify author biases
- Understand your own biases and any negative perceptions that might be clouding your judgement
- Understand images and emotive wording that are designed to manipulate. This can include false use of government branding, emotionally manipulative language, and mismatched images and text
How to report misinformation#
Report any online misinformation to Netsafe https://report.netsafe.org.nz