The conspiracy of Covid-19 and 5G: Spatial analysis fallacies in the age of data democratization

Abstract

Overview

In a context of mistrust in public health institutions and practices, this paper explores the dangerous interconnection between COVID-19 misconceptions and the rapid deployment of 5G technologies. It addresses the correlation suggested by conspiracy theorists between COVID-19 and 5G mobile technology propagated through social media.

Findings

• The paper analyzes how spatial data is misused by conspiracists, focusing on the supposed links between COVID-19 outbreaks and the locations of 5G towers.
• Discussion on the misconceptions of spatial correlation, highlighting the methodological flaws that conspiracists exploit in their arguments.
• Insights into the complex causal relationships and technical challenges in interpreting spatial data which, when overlooked, may fuel conspiracy theories.

Conclusion

This study underscores the risks posed by misinterpretation of spatial health data and emphasizes the urgent need for accurate scientific communication. It also offers a critique of how conspiracy theories may evolve with increasing access to data, thus posing a continuing risk to public understanding and health.