An article reported on last week, published in a journal that provides “theoretical papers” continues to be shared across social media, with claims that masks cause physical and mental harm to their wearers. The article lists over twenty negative health outcomes purportedly caused by mask-wearing. The article is circulating widely on social media and fake news sites, shared by anti-vaccine, anti-government, and conspiracy groups as a “study” that validates anti-mask beliefs. There is scientific consensus that mask-wearing is an essential, simple, and safe measure to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and other diseases transmissible by air / respiratory droplets. Misappropriating valid scientific terms and phrases, such as using the term “study” in reference to an article without peer review, is a common tactic employed by anti-vaccine and conspiracy groups. The tactic is used to create a false equivalence between unscientific and scientific arguments.
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Addressing this misinformation could distract from priority talking points. Fact Checking Source(s): fullfact.org, forbes.com
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