Facebook bans ads against vaccinations

The Corona pandemic shows how important preventive behavior is to protect health, the company emphasized. However, Facebook says it will continue to allow ads that criticize certain measures taken by governments in connection with vaccinations. Research into vaccines against the corona virus is currently underway worldwide.

The operators of the major online networks are repeatedly accused of enabling anti-vaccinationists to spread their messages far and wide. According to its own information, Facebook is now also planning a campaign in the USA to promote flu vaccinations.

Against conspiracy theories

Facebook had also recently taken stronger action against the spread of conspiracy theories on its pages. A scientific study published on Wednesday shows that belief in such completely unsubstantiated theories can significantly reduce willingness to vaccinate.

Surveys were conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain and Mexico. According to the survey, although the majority of people there reject conspiracy theories about the coronavirus, "significant parts" of the population take these false claims at face value, says the study published in the British journal Royal Society Open Science published study.

The most widespread conspiracy theory about the pandemic in these countries is that the new virus was deliberately produced in a laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The pathogen was first detected in humans in this metropolis of millions. According to the researchers, 22 to 23 percent of respondents in the United Kingdom and the United States believe in this conspiracy theory.

Faith versus vaccines

The study also showed a clear link between belief in conspiracy theories and skepticism about vaccines, said co-author Sander van der Linden. The researchers concluded that, in general, the more respondents adhered to conspiracy theories, the less willing they were to participate in future Corona vaccinations. (SDA)