- Half (48 per cent) said they had seen or been sent what they consider ‘fake news’ about COVID-19 online, since the outbreak of the crisis.
- Before the COVID-19 crisis the internet was the first point of call for health information and advice for most people, with 61 per cent going online to check symptoms or self-diagnose.
- Despite this, just five per cent of respondents listed the internet as their most trusted source.
- Three quarters (75 per cent) listed the NHS website as their most trusted online source for health information or advice, whilst social media and tabloid media outlets were least likely to be considered trustworthy .