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The National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) is launching a major awareness campaign throughout France. The aim is to alert the public to the dangers of false health information and promote reliable sources.
A national campaign to fight fake news
Since mid-September and until the beginning of October, Inserm has been investing in the metros, train stations and pharmacies of France with a new campaign focused on the fight against health disinformation. Through five large thematic posters, the public is challenged by surprising, even wacky messages, which encourage them to scan a QR code.
The latter refers to verified content on the Inserm website. This initiative aims to encourage citizens to obtain information from reliable scientific sources and to question unverified health information, often relayed on the Internet.
Canal Detox: the answer to disinformation
False information spreads quickly, especially in the health sector, because it is often attractive and provides simple answers to complex questions. Aware of this phenomenon, Inserm is banking on the use of modern and surprising codes to capture attention, particularly through its “Canal Détox” label, already recognized for its efforts in disseminating reliable scientific information. By the end of the year, this campaign will be extended by videos broadcast on television, YouTube and social networks.
Informing to better protect public health
For Professor Didier Samuel, Chairman and CEO of Inserm, this campaign is crucial: “In health, even more than in other areas, false information spreads at high speed. It is therefore important that Inserm, as the leading national health research organization, helps citizens sort out what they can believe – because it is based on solid scientific foundations – and what can be dangerous for their health. Inserm has chosen to reach out to citizens, directly in their living spaces, with simple and impactful messages, and above all, useful for their health!“.
This proactive approach reflects Inserm’s desire to bring citizens closer to scientific information and to raise their awareness of the risks posed by disinformation.
Favor sites whose content is validated by experts
Having your own judgment when browsing social networks is not easy, especially when algorithms naturally offer the same types of content as those already viewed, locking us into a closed loop. “It is about taking a step back, looking at the source and not taking what is said at face value, especially when there is a request for money to get information or a promise of a miracle.” recommends Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo.
You can also find out about the channel Youtube Doctissimo like 1.6 million subscribers. In addition to our site whose content is validated by health experts, our Youtube channel has now been labeled Youtube Health since November 17, 2023, a certification label for verified editorial content, certified by a team of journalists and expert doctors.
How do you know? A banner under each video now informs you of the seriousness of the content and the collaboration of a member registered with the RPPS, a shared directory of professionals working in the health system.
Like the compass in our logo, Doctissimo strives to serve as your guide in health.