"Death After Vaccination," "Causes Genetic Mutation": Fake News Spreads Online
National Police Chief: "Strict Response to Fake News on Vaccination"
Experts: "Trust Vaccine Information Based on Scientific Evidence"
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] "Never get the COVID vaccine.", "I'd rather catch COVID than suffer from side effects."
As COVID-19 vaccinations in South Korea approach, with the rollout just a day away, fake news related to the vaccine continues to spread, becoming a social issue. Claims such as "The government is inserting RFID chips into the vaccine to control people" and "Getting vaccinated causes dementia" are all unverified, but the spread of such misinformation is increasing public anxiety. Experts emphasize the importance of trusting vaccine information based on scientific evidence.
Recently, false information about COVID-19 vaccine side effects has been pouring out mainly on YouTube and online communities.
On the 21st, a netizen posted on a real estate-related online community claiming that "COVID-19 vaccine side effects can cause blindness."
The author stated, "Blindness is one of the side effects of the COVID vaccine. I’d rather just catch COVID," and claimed, "(Side effects) include seizures all day, paralysis of limbs, death, and more." They added, "I lived well without catching COVID for a year. I have no intention of getting vaccinated."
Similar posts are appearing on mom cafes as well. In a mom cafe in the Gyeonggi region, a post said, "There are side effects that cause loss of vision," and "I’d rather catch COVID. If the school tries to vaccinate my son, I will make him quit school." Netizens commented on the post, saying, "The side effects are too severe. They should at least search on YouTube before getting vaccinated. I was surprised that even young moms in the neighborhood are getting vaccinated," among other remarks.
Unverified information is also being spread by YouTubers. One YouTuber claimed, "Getting vaccinated causes dementia. The vaccine makes people unable to think," while another spread false information such as "The vaccine causes genetic mutations inside the body."
False information related to the COVID-19 vaccine posted on a real estate community. Photo by Real Estate Community Capture.
As a result, some people are refusing vaccination. Participants in the KakaoTalk open chat room titled 'Never Get the COVID Vaccine' claim "The COVID vaccine is a scam" and loudly declare "We will not get vaccinated." They especially talk about a "population reduction conspiracy" and say, "I am telling acquaintances not to get vaccinated either."
This fake news is rampant not only online but offline as well. Recently in Incheon, posters containing messages such as "Getting vaccinated causes death," "Vaccine side effects include generalized seizures, limb paralysis, cardiac arrest. Death within one year after vaccination," and "Microchips are hidden in the vaccine. It could cost your life" were posted, causing controversy.
The problem is that fake news about vaccines increases public anxiety and causes social confusion. Office worker Kim (28) said, "Vaccination hasn't even started yet, but these fake news stories make me hesitant to get vaccinated," adding, "I know it's false information, but it feels unsettling. Also, looking at politicians and the fuss over the 'first vaccinated person,' it makes me wonder if the vaccine is really dangerous."
University student Jung (26) said, "We can't even choose the type of vaccine; it's administered randomly, and with the spread of such fake news, I am worried," and pointed out, "Given the current situation, there should be strict punishment for those spreading fake news."
False information related to COVID-19 vaccines circulating on YouTube and other platforms. Photo by YouTube screen capture.
The police have stated they will respond strictly to fake news related to vaccines. On the 22nd, at a regular briefing held at the National Police Agency, Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong said, "We will cooperate with the Korea Communications Commission to promptly delete and block false and distorted news that incites public anxiety or obstructs vaccination," adding, "Depending on the case, we will initiate investigations and thoroughly uncover the truth."
Experts point out that political disputes over vaccines can trigger fake news and emphasize the need to trust vaccine information based on scientific evidence.
Professor Kim Woo-joo of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital said, "There are ongoing political disputes about vaccines, such as politicians asking if the president is a test subject," and stressed, "The words of responsible public officials are very important. Since the public obtains information through them, even a single word must be spoken carefully."
He continued, "We need to listen to what experts say. In situations with many uncertainties, decisions should be based on scientific evidence," adding, "As vaccinations are being carried out worldwide, safety is being secured. Since new information about vaccines is continuously updated, we need to pay close attention to such information."
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