Since April, if you received a notification after interacting with a post that had information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have been served incorrect information. This notification is sent to “Facebook users who liked, reacted to or commented on potentially harmful debunked content” (NPR). Such content includes posts or videos promoting unproven or unverified treatments for COVID-19 that are being advertised to the public.

Facebook has been trying to combat posts like these by only linking to reputable sources such as the CDC, WHO, or local government officials. This campaign began in April so if you came across such an alert, you may have interacted with this type of post.

In addition to these Facebook posts, be wary of many of the current tech scams that are underway during the pandemic, such as:

  • Text messages circulating that claim someone you were in contact with contracted COVID-19 with an attached link for more information.
  • Online advertisements that are selling COVID-19 antibodies or cures.
  • Phone calls that claim to come from your banking institution offering expedited stimulus checks after you give your information.
  • And more.

All of these scams have similar messaging promising to have a cure for the virus or supplies for the pandemic when you click on the link or give your information. To avoid your information being compromised or data being stolen, avoid clicking on these links or giving away personal information. In these vulnerable times, your online safety and information is at stake. If you are alert and aware of this fraudulent activity, you can better protect yourself.

When this type of information becomes too much to consume and you are experiencing message exhaustion surrounding the pandemic, Facebook has also unveiled a “Quiet Mode” option to mute push notifications.

This mode was added due to the increase of remote work and users spending more time than ever before consuming information online. Statista cites that, as of March 2020, 29.7% of respondents used social media for an additional 1-2 hours per day.

If you are one of these users who have spent additional time online and need a break, this setting is located in the News Feed Preferences section of Facebook and the Notification Settings page. This mode allows users to be in control of the updates that they receive. For more information, visit https://about.fb.com/news/2020/07/coronavirus/

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