Spread of misinformation during emergencies and strategies to mitigate its impacts

The rapid growth of social media has transformed how information is consumed, particularly during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. While these platforms enable the immediate dissemination of critical information, they also facilitate the spread of misinformation, leading to vaccine hesitancy, distrust in public institutions, and opposition to public health policies. This paper examines the impact of misinformation on emergency response in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on how misinformation spreads, the factors contributing to its dissemination, and strategies to mitigate its effects. Through a review of recent literature, the study highlights the role of social media in amplifying false narratives, the psychological and demographic factors that make individuals susceptible to misinformation, and the need for a multifaceted approach to combat its spread. Key findings suggest that effective crisis communication, technological interventions, and user-centric strategies are essential to counter misinformation. The paper concludes with recommendations for improving public health communication, enhancing media literacy, and leveraging technological advancements to detect and mitigate misinformation in future emergencies.