UTSC Global & International Health Week-by IDSC11
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation*-Global Saviour or Guardian of Corporate Interests?
*This website has no affiliation with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This is a project for UTSC IDSC11, 2021.
COVID Conspiracy
This poster represents the problem of misinformation. The poster provides a statement regarding the Covid-19 vaccine and the sentiment held by the publisher of the poster. However, the poster published is not by an unofficial organization, and does not hold any scientific evidence to back up its claim. This is the problem with misinformation. A poster can be made containing baseless information and published to the public in an attempt to sway their opinions on the subject. Misinformation can be very destructive to the efforts done by National Governments & Multinational Organizations in curbing the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Problem of Misinformation
It can spread like wildfire
The nuances of the Covid-19 pandemic has brought a new contender into the ring of conspiracy theories. The distribution of misinformation through social media and other internet spaces has brought conspiracy theorists more attention and a bigger audience, in an attempt to legitimize their discourse. From the World Health Organization to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Conspiracy theorists have targeted these groups as actors responsible for the development and implementation of the Covid-19 pandemic. Further, anti-vaccine propaganda and micro-chip theories will slow the progress scientist have made in curbing the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The problem of misinformation must be addressed.
Exploring Covid
Conspiracy Theories
Micro-Chippers to "Plandemic" Theorist
Conspiracy Theorists have targeted the progress the Gates Foundation Vaccine Development initiative has made by spreading delegitimizing and baseless theories to sway the public from taking the new Covid-19 vaccines. Micro-chipping has been a popular theory. The theory of implanting an electrical device that transmits personal biometrics for research or tracking purposes. This has created a new challenge for vaccine distribution as public health units work to breakdown this barrier. "Plandemic" theories trending on social media, for example Event 201 . The Theorists target the Gates Foundation as a mastermind responsible for the development and implementation of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Delegitimizing the Gates Foundation's efforts on combatting Covid-19 is neither constructive nor helps in ending the Covid-19 pandemic.
Why Covid Conspiracies?
Large Public Image
Bill Gates and Warren Buffett together are very well known in their respective fields. When 2 powers combine, conspiracy theorists get busy.
Bigger Platform for Theorists
With social media, podcasts, Youtube and websites, theorists are able to attract a larger audience on a larger scale
Gates Foundation creates headlines
Conspiracy Theorists love to target big name organizations by spreading baseless claims. Anything published relating to the Gates Foundation will attract an audience.
Gates foundation collaborations
When the Gates Foundation partners with a large multilateral organization of governmental group, skeptics begin circulating opinions on what the purpose of such a big partnership is.