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Facebook is finally fighting back against COVID anti-vaxxers who spread false information

Facebook is finally fighting back against COVID anti-vaxxers who spread false information
via 1POCNews / Twitter

We're more than nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic and things are only getting worse. On Wednesday, December 2, America had its deadliest day yet with nearly 3,000 people succumbing to the virus.

America is experiencing its greatest public health crisis in generations and the only way we're getting out of it is by widespread administration of a vaccine.

However, if people don't take the vaccine, there will be no end to this horror story.


A poll taken in October found that if a vaccine were widely available at a low cost, 51% of Americans would take it, 45% said they wouldn't and 4% had no opinion.

via Unsplash

There are myriad reasons why some are afraid of being vaccinated. Some are afraid of the government's involvement while others are suspicious of a vaccine developed so quickly.

Others have fallen victim to conspiracy theories suggesting vaccines cause autism or that they will be injected with microchips.

So, it's crucial for the public to be educated on the safety of vaccines so that we can put this deadly virus in the past. So far, scientists are unsure of what percentage of the population needs to be immune to COVID-19 via vaccination or from contracting the disease to achieve "herd immunity."

A big problem is the amount of false information on social media, namely Facebook. Studies show that when it comes to false information, Facebook is by far the largest spreader online.

However, the social media giant announced on December 3 that it's finally taking responsibility for its toxic effect on public health by removing false claims about COVID-19 vaccinations from the site.

via Facebook

"Given the recent news that COVID-19 vaccines will soon be rolling out around the world, over the coming weeks we will start removing false claims about these vaccines that have been debunked by public health experts on Facebook and Instagram," Facebook said in a statement.

The site will be removing "false claims about the safety, efficacy, ingredients or side effects of the vaccines."

It also said it would remove posts that claim the vaccine contains microchips or "anything else that isn't on the official vaccine ingredient list."

"Since it's early and facts about COVID-19 vaccines will continue to evolve, we will regularly update the claims we remove based on guidance from public health authorities as they learn more," the site said.

However, if you're dying to have one last argument with your science-denying brother-in-law on Facebook, there's still a chance. The site says that it will take a while for the new policy to take effect.

"We will not be able to start enforcing these policies overnight," the statement said.

Some will criticize Facebook for censoring its users but it's a private platform that can regulate the information shared on its site as it sees fit. False information is deadly during a pandemic, kudos to Facebook for deciding not to be a super-spreader.

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

True

A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.
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