Coronaphobia, infodemic and fakes during COVID-19

The COVID-19 outbreak has brought a lot of uncertainty and fear into the lives of people around the world. In many countries the level of anxiety has increased greatly, based on the fear of contracting a new virus and the uncertainty of the consequences of infection, the many fakes and the lack of reliable information, distrust of the government or the measures taken. This article provides an overview of studies on the infodemic and coronaphobia associated with the spread of COVID-19, using our own data from different countries. An increase in fear and panic driven by prejudice or misinformation has provoked discrimination and stigmatization of the disease, as well as led to obstacles to the implementation of rapid response policies by health authorities and social policy. Scientists are trying to counter this influx of mis-information related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Preparing people for disinformation and providing them with accurate information and counterarguments against false reports before they are exposed to conspiracy theories, fake news, or other forms of disinformation can help manage phobias and fears and maintain mental health.