The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption on a global scale. The Chinese authorities present a visible and concrete target for hate for their role in withholding vital information and letting the pandemic spread. However, we are still struggling to understand the origin of this virulent virus. Several conspiracy theories present themselves – including the one about the 5G network being the reason behind the novel coronavirus.
Conspiracy theorists (most notably David Icke) have theorised that 5G phone networks are the reason behind the novel coronavirus pandemic. Many social media influencers have shared this; evangelicals and some pastors have been seen to propagate this idea widely.
New Zealand's director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield's was asked this at a press conference. His reaction demonstrates how taken aback he was at actually being asked this as a serious question.
Because why not! Though experts have clarified "There is no truth in it so please don't read it and don't pass it on to anyone else," this one refuses to go away.
People seem to have bizarre justifications for thinking the way they do: they believe that 5G and the resultant pandemic are some elaborate plan to enslave humankind.
People have presented various facts and figures to try and debunk the conspiracy theory about 5G being responsible for coronavirus infections.
According to experts, it is common human behaviour to search for patterns and find them where they don't exist. This helps make sense of a chaotic world and gives a semblance of order. It has to do with the need for control: if we know the reason behind something, we can take steps to control it.
However, the dangers are real. The more willing one is to trust conspiracy theories such as these, the more susceptible one becomes to the actual disease because they start to discount other, genuine sources of the contagion.
In recent times, WhatsApp forwards have emerged as the main weapon for those looking to spread fake news, disseminate propaganda and manipulate public opinion. The 5G-coronavirus conspiracy theory has gained traction on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.
False theories have real, dangerous consequences. Social media platforms are acknowledging this and showing their willingness to control the dissemination of this fake info.
This video makes fun of the 5G-coronavirus conspiracy theory as well as other credulous souls such as flat-earthers; who are willing to believe pretty much any outlandish idea. However it is troubling that there are others who speak like this – in full seriousness.
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