UNAIR NEWS – Six months into what became a global pandemic, cases of COVID-19 have surpassed 9 million. What started more than six months ago rages on with no end in sight, and based on existing data, the number of cases continues to increase every day.
From covid.19.go.id website, the number of positive cases on September 13 reached 218,382 cases. In terms of number, Indonesia ranks 3rd in Asia and 23th in the world.
The coronavirus pandemic has seen a rise in harmful and misleading conspiracy theories, mostly spreading online. Some people also still have doubts about the virus, so many of them choose to ignore existing health protocols. Dr. Margarita Maria Maramis, dr., Sp.KJ (K), FISCM, who is the Head of Inpatient Installation (IRNA) Mental Hospital Dr. Soetomo said that the conspiracy theory was built to explain an inexplicable situation.
“This conspiracy is a relationship based on prejudice, scientific hypothesis. Because this is a thought that comes up after, “she said
The conspiracy theory arises because there are reasons that support it. Thus, there are not a few people who easily get carried away by this theory. ” This is why conspiracy theories come to life in crises — because they offer simple explanations for chaos and seemingly bottomless uncertainty. “she explained.
“They keep hearing the conspiracy theories again and again, and eventually they believe it without question,” she added.
During the Airlangga Medical Scientific Week webinar held by Forisma BEM KM Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga on Sunday, September 13, dr. Margarita explains how to distinguish conspiracy theories from scientific theories. According to her, conspiracy theories contain logical thinking, but the truth needs to be checked. In order to be able to recognize the accuracy of a conspiracy theory, we must apply scientific standards.
Meanwhile, a scientific theory also has logical thinking but is linked with proof. Including contained scientific principles in it and it takes a period of time. ” People don’t like uncertainty. This is why conspiracy theories come to life in crises — because they offer simple explanations for chaos and uncertainty. “she said.
In the final session, dr. Margarita provides tips to avoid conspiracy theories. Number one is selecting existing information by looking at factual and real data, creating a comfortable atmosphere so people can think rationally. Surround yourself with people who have a positive impact and you will receive positive energy from them. (*)
Author: Icha Nur Imami Puspita
Editor: Feri Fenoria Rifa’i
