Honors College Thesis
 

The Disinformation Dozen and Media Misinformation on Science and Vaccinations

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/honors_college_theses/n009w8842

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  • The COVID-19 pandemic has shed a light on the need for people to trust in medical science. With the need for 70% of Americans to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity but 30% have reported vaccine hesitancy, now more than ever do we need to redouble our efforts to ensure that people are adhering to medical advice. Yet dangerous misinformation posited by anti-vaxxers, anti-maskers, and conspiracy theorists jeopardize this goal. The Center for Countering Digital Hate online has found that 65% of the misinformation posted on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, are from just 12 individuals. These 12 individuals have been referred to as the “disinformation dozen” for their role in spreading misinformation. Members of the disinformation dozen such as Ty and Charlene Bollinger turn their misinformation into money. They have created "The Truth About Cancer" organization and specialize in creating sample YouTube videos and documentaries for the products that they sell. They paint themselves as a caring middle-class family and post extensively to reach out to potential customers. Another member of the disinformation dozen, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reveals the more sophisticated side of misinformation specialists. He has a prestigious background as an environmental litigator and legal specialist. Additionally, he is the nephew of former president John F. Kennedy. He has leveraged his fame and background to create the "Children's Health Defense" which specializes in framing misinformation in a professional manner. Kevin Jenkins was once known as a respected leader within the African American community, but now leads the notorious Facebook group "Right to Travel Alliance." He was radicalized when anti-vaxxers reached out to him and the African community, finding great success due to the mistrust that African Americans have of the medical establishment. The Tuskegee trials and current problems with accurately treated African Americans contributed to a prior schism of trust that has led to his becoming a member of the disinformation dozen. Therefore, it should be understood that misinformation is not being provided by a few amateurs or only appreciated by the most gullible or naive. The disinformation dozen reveals a collaborative effort between business conmen, lawyers, and public leaders. If not addressed swiftly and accurately, the spread of misinformation could cause irreversible harm to the trust between the public and the medical institutions we need to rely on now more than ever.
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