An "infodemic" refers to an overwhelming amount of information, particularly disinformation and misinformation, surrounding a particular topic, especially during a public health crisis like a pandemic. The term gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the rapid spread of both accurate and false information about the virus, its transmission, prevention, and treatment became widespread. Infodemics can lead to confusion, fear, and harmful behaviors, as individuals struggle to discern credible information from unreliable sources.
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