This study showed that although interns recognize misinformation on social media, only about a third of physicians check the authenticity of information before sharing it.

The majority of interns in this study (65%) use social media to gain COVID-19 information, particularly via Facebook (87%). About half of interns simply read the title for information and then 37% of those share that information. Most interns noted that social media spread rumors and misinformation, yet only 35% check the information’s authenticity. By sharing unverified, non-evidenced based information, health professionals are contributing to the infodemic. Health professionals have a responsibility to search, read, and share authentic and evidence-based news to maximize precaution and minimize unnecessary panic related to COVID-19.