Debunking the Myth: CDC Report COVID-19 in U.S. Water Supply
In recent years, conspiracy theories have thrived in online communities, especially during global crises.
Classifications of Content Shared
Misleading Connections
Source: Breitbart's Instagram post
A widely shared Instagram post from Breitbart depicted a U.S. map shaded to indicate high levels of COVID-19, with the caption, "CDC reports surging levels of a new COVID-19 strain in the U.S. water supply." This misleading representation conflated data from wastewater with the potable water supply.
False Authority
Source: Various social media posts and videos
Several social media posts and videos featured supposed "experts" who claimed the presence of COVID-19 in the water supply was a deliberate control tactic. These individuals often lacked relevant qualifications or misinterpreted data to support their claims.
Why Do People Believe the COVID-19 Water Supply Conspiracy Theory?
Directional Biases
Here is a directional bias chart that shows how individuals predisposed to mistrust government and health organizations are more likely to believe and propagate conspiracy theories. This bias reinforces their preexisting skepticism and fears.
Explanation: Individuals predisposed to mistrust government and health organizations are more likely to believe and propagate such conspiracy theories. This bias reinforces their preexisting skepticism and fears.
Reference: Kahan, D. M. (2017). Misconceptions, Misinformation, and the Logic of Identity-Protective Cognition.
Repetitions of Myths and Rumors
Explanation: Repeated exposure to false claims increases their perceived credibility. Headlines like "COVID-19 intentionally introduced into water supply" gain traction through frequent sharing.
Mean Truth Ratings as a Function of Number of Repetitions in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2
Reference: Clark, T. (2008). The 8½ Laws of Rumor Spread .
Levels of Media Literacy
Explanation: The spread of this misinformation highlights the varying levels of digital media literacy among the public. People with lower media literacy are more susceptible to believing false narratives.
Misinformation Network
Explanation: Conspiracy theorists bolster their narratives by linking to dubious sources. Websites like "Bitchute" and "OffGuardian" host numerous misleading claims about COVID-19 and water supply
Intended Audience and Outcomes
Target Audience
Explanation: This misinformation is primarily aimed at individuals who are already skeptical of government and scientific institutions. It appeals to those with preexisting fears about technological and environmental safety.
Intended Outcomes
Explanation: The primary goal of this misinformation is to sow distrust in public health institutions and create fear. This can lead to reduced compliance with public health guidelines and an increased divide between the public and health authorities.
Beneficiaries and Victims of the Deception
The Interplay Between Boredom, Fantasy Engagement, and Perceived Control Over Time
Who Stands to Gain
Explanation: Those who propagate these conspiracy theories often gain financially through increased web traffic, ad revenue, and sales of related products or services. Additionally, entities with agendas to undermine public trust in institutions may also benefit.
Who is Losing Out
Explanation: The general public loses out due to increased fear, confusion, and mistrust. Public health efforts are undermined, making it more challenging to manage health crises effectively.
Debunking the Misinformation
Nature of Data
Clarification: The data referenced in the post actually pertained to COVID-19 levels detected in untreated wastewater, not the potable water supply.
Expert Clarification
Expert: Heather Murphy, Associate Professor
COVID-19 and Drinking Water
According to experts, including Heather Murphy, wastewater and the water supply are distinct. COVID-19 detected in wastewater undergoes extensive treatment that eliminates pathogens before any potential recycling into the water supply.
Health Agency Statements
Authorities: CDC and EPA
Both the CDC and the EPA have confirmed that COVID-19 has not been detected in U.S. drinking water, and there is no evidence that anyone has contracted the virus from treated or untreated wastewater
CDC Official Statements about Covid-19 and the Water Supply
Conclusion
The misinformation about COVID-19 in the U.S. water supply exemplifies how false narratives exploit public fears and spread rapidly. Understanding these processes is crucial for combatting misinformation and fostering a more informed public.
References
- Kahan, D. M. (2017). Misconceptions, Misinformation, and the Logic of Identity-Protective Cognition. Cultural Cognition Project Working Paper Series No. 164.
- Clark, T. (2008). The 8½ Laws of Rumor Spread .
- Garrett, R. K. (2016). Facebook’s problem is more complicated than fake news.
- Guess, A., Nagler, J., & Tucker, J. (2019). Less than you think: Prevalence and predictors of fake news dissemination on Facebook .
- Boyd, D. (2017). Did Media Literacy Backfire?.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Ensuring COVID-19 Safety in U.S. Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems