The Social Responsibility of Researchers in Combating Fake News and Conspiracy Theories During a Pandemic

Authors

  • Alexandra Huidu PhD Student, Doctoral School of Sociology, University of Oradea, Romania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18662/po/11.1sup2/138

Keywords:

fake news, conspiracy theories, ethics of research, bioethics, social responsibility of researchers

Abstract

One of the problems that arise in crisis situations is that of fake news (presenting as being real events that did not actually take place) and of conspiracy theories (which emerge from subjective interpretations of real facts). The medical and social crisis created by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has resized the role of researchers and bioethicists, emphasizing their social responsibility in properly informing not only the academic community, but also the general public. The present article analyzes the new dimensions that the ethical principle of responsibility of researchers acquires as a result of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Author Biography

Alexandra Huidu, PhD Student, Doctoral School of Sociology, University of Oradea, Romania

PhD Student, Doctoral School of Sociology, University of Oradea, Romania

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Published

2020-05-15

How to Cite

Huidu, A. (2020). The Social Responsibility of Researchers in Combating Fake News and Conspiracy Theories During a Pandemic. Postmodern Openings, 11(1Sup2), 39-48. https://doi.org/10.18662/po/11.1sup2/138

Issue

Section

Theoretical articles