Comments on: #swineflu or #swinefail?

By: Rebekah

Rebekah — Tue, 12 May 2009 06:22:28 +0000

I like your insights Peter. As with almost all new media, we have to be the filter for information and be smart enough to determine a credible source from a suspicious one.

I find it humorous that the a select few of the supposed “gatekeepers” of mass media were mainly quoting the un-credible, false Tweets to support their stance that Twitter promotes misinformation. Instead of themselves promoting misinformation (about the role of Twitter and swine flu), they could have presented a more balanced view of Twitter, by choosing a representative selection of Tweets.

By: Michael Bean

Michael Bean — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:33:18 +0000

Great job with this Peter. Well articulated and thought out from all perspectives. One thing I don’t think is getting enough play is that the only reason that this ‘hysteria’ has started at all is because of the 24/7 cable news networks fanning the flames at first.

By: Pei-chieh

Pei-chieh — Sat, 02 May 2009 20:40:36 +0000

It just reminded me that when SARS was serious in Asia, some online platforms were created in Taiwan. Frankly speaking, the more instant news we know, the more fear people feel. It’s hard to get a balance. However, I believe that social media will clarify some too exaggerated news reports from mass media in Taiwan.

By: rubir

rubir — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:27:30 +0000

I was really happy to see that social media tools helped to keep people all over the world informed. I can tell you that every time I called my family in Mexico and they shared with me what was happening, I was like I lived in another world. Churches were having services, people not using anything to cover their mouths because there were not enough masks, doctors saying that the government was exaggerating etc. etc.

Then I thought is possible that I’m more sensitive to this problem because I have access to more information???

By: pluyckx

pluyckx — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:59:27 +0000

NPR story on how public health officials are happy as a clam about the potential of Twitter:

“”Not only are we trying to get information out using these tools, but we’re also trying to establish relationships,” says Andrew Wilson, who heads a new HHS effort to think about uses of technology for outreach. By establishing online relationships with bloggers, journalists and public health officials, agencies are able to combat misinformation and broadcast warnings much quicker. ”

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103623937

By: pluyckx

pluyckx — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:12:02 +0000

I don’t know why the credit for the image isn’t showing up in the alt text, but here’s the source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigbird3/1617731499/

Also, small correction: Follow @cdcemergency for swine flu updates, not #cdcemergency.