Algorithms, Fake News, and Global Health: Infodemia as a Factor in the Deepening of Inequities in Contexts of Systemic Crisis
1
Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3330
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
In the post-truth era, the dissemination of fake news mediated by algorithms and social media has become a central element of contemporary crises, producing significant impacts on global health. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that the massive circulation of misinformation, defined as an infodemic, acts as an aggravating factor in health crises by weakening trust in science, health institutions, and international cooperation mechanisms. Algorithmic systems prioritize emotionally engaging content, favoring the viral spread of false narratives and contributing to the deepening of social and informational inequalities.
METHODS:
This study adopts a theoretical-reflexive approach based on a narrative review of interdisciplinary literature in the fields of communication, public health, and global health. Key works addressing post-truth, algorithms, fake news, and infodemia were examined, with particular emphasis on the contributions of López Veneroni (2021) and Amaral and Santos (2019). These theoretical perspectives were articulated with broader debates on health inequities and contemporary systemic crises.
RESULTS:
The analysis indicates that digital platform algorithms function as mechanisms of selective amplification of misinformation, reinforcing informational bubbles and echo chambers. This dynamic affects social groups unevenly, disproportionately impacting populations with limited access to formal education, scientific literacy, and reliable sources of information. Health-related misinformation compromises adherence to preventive measures, such as vaccination and social distancing, contributing to more severe health outcomes and exacerbating global health inequities. Moreover, the infodemic is intertwined with political and institutional crises, configuring a systemic crisis that extends beyond the communicational sphere.
CONCLUSIONS:
It is concluded that the algorithm-mediated dissemination of fake news constitutes a social determinant of health in the post-truth era, intensifying inequities and weakening collective responses to global crises. Addressing this phenomenon requires integrated strategies, including regulation of digital platforms, strengthening of scientific communication, and public policies aimed at reducing informational inequalities and promoting health equity.
In the post-truth era, the dissemination of fake news mediated by algorithms and social media has become a central element of contemporary crises, producing significant impacts on global health. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that the massive circulation of misinformation, defined as an infodemic, acts as an aggravating factor in health crises by weakening trust in science, health institutions, and international cooperation mechanisms. Algorithmic systems prioritize emotionally engaging content, favoring the viral spread of false narratives and contributing to the deepening of social and informational inequalities.
METHODS:
This study adopts a theoretical-reflexive approach based on a narrative review of interdisciplinary literature in the fields of communication, public health, and global health. Key works addressing post-truth, algorithms, fake news, and infodemia were examined, with particular emphasis on the contributions of López Veneroni (2021) and Amaral and Santos (2019). These theoretical perspectives were articulated with broader debates on health inequities and contemporary systemic crises.
RESULTS:
The analysis indicates that digital platform algorithms function as mechanisms of selective amplification of misinformation, reinforcing informational bubbles and echo chambers. This dynamic affects social groups unevenly, disproportionately impacting populations with limited access to formal education, scientific literacy, and reliable sources of information. Health-related misinformation compromises adherence to preventive measures, such as vaccination and social distancing, contributing to more severe health outcomes and exacerbating global health inequities. Moreover, the infodemic is intertwined with political and institutional crises, configuring a systemic crisis that extends beyond the communicational sphere.
CONCLUSIONS:
It is concluded that the algorithm-mediated dissemination of fake news constitutes a social determinant of health in the post-truth era, intensifying inequities and weakening collective responses to global crises. Addressing this phenomenon requires integrated strategies, including regulation of digital platforms, strengthening of scientific communication, and public policies aimed at reducing informational inequalities and promoting health equity.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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