Topline
As online forums selling ivermectin for Covid-19 treatment have become overwhelmed by memes and explicit content, some communities are being compelled to shut down. Increasing numbers of internet users are taking action to stop the spread of coronavirus misinformation online.
Reddit forums have seen a lot of horse cartoons. getty
The Key Facts
Reddit's r/ivermectin community, which is dedicated to antiparasitics, likely unproven, and possibly bogus promises as a treatment or preventative for Covid-19 has become overrun by memes, posts supporting trans rights, and explicit cartoons and stories about humans and livestock (mostly horses). Reddit reclassified the entire subreddit as NSFW (not safe to work) due to the soaring number of comments and posts on the subreddit. The group saw an increase in posts of around 40 and 300 comments per day, and then dropped to approximately 1,000 and 10,000 each during the last week. The original group quickly flagged new groups to discuss antiparasitic issues away from memes and horses. However, they have tighter restrictions on who can post and comment. Reddit's situation is extremely serious, but it shows that more people are taking steps to combat misinformation on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and TikTok. Memes on Twitter are used to target advocates or users of the drug. This includes Joe Rogan (a podcast host) who claimed he was using Ivermectin Wednesday to treat his Covid-19 infection. Dr. Pierre Kory is one of the most prominent supporters of the drug. After viral reports about people soiled in public by ivermectin, Facebook groups can be inundated with memes and jokes.
Important Background
Ivermectin has long been used to treat parasitic infection in livestock and humans. It is a lifesaving medicine that has won a Nobel Prize. When used correctly, it is safe. Although early studies suggested that it might be a promising treatment to Covid-19, these findings have not been confirmed. Numerous, rigorous studies have been conducted since and the drug has repeatedly failed to treat people with Covid-19. One of the most promising papers supporting its use was pulled due to concerns about data manipulation. Its manufacturer and top medicines regulators do not endorse its use in Covid-19. However, ivermectin quickly gained a reputation for being a miracle cure. The drug is also getting more prescriptions. The most popular horse-related meme is an edible paste version of the drug that can be used to deworm horses. It is often apple-flavored and has been very well-received. Even though they may contain the same active ingredient there are still risks. Medicines not intended for human consumption are not subjected to the same safety standards as medicines intended for humans. They are often of higher doses than those for humans and can contain harmful additives. In recent weeks, poison control calls from people who take ivermectin for livestock have risen.
Important Quote
After a series of incidents in which people were hospitalized for taking ivermectin that is meant for horses, Food and Drug Administration released an unusual statement to remind the public that they are not horses. They remind people that you are not a cow and urge them to stop self-medicating using a product intended for livestock.
Tangent
Throughout the pandemic, tech platforms have been plagued by misinformation about medical conditions. Amazon's autocomplete responses are based on user behavior. It suggested ivermectin as a result after the first two letters of the search bar were entered. The company stated that it would not block this. Amazon also added a warning label for relevant searches that links to the FDA's warning about ivermectin. According to reports, Facebook's coronavirus policies have not stopped ads or groups promoting false cures from flourishing on the site. Facebook informed Motherboard that it does not allow any ads to promote ivermectin for Covid-19. It also prohibits anyone from selling, buying, donating, or asking for ivermectin. Facebook will take action against any group for violating its Covid-19 policies. These policies prohibit false claims regarding how to cure or prevent the disease. Reddit removed r/NoNewNormal Tuesday, an anti-mask community and anti-vaccine group, after its lax policies led to widespread revolt among users.
Continue reading
Facebook's Ivermectin - Groups are Unhinged and out of Control (Motherboard).
Facebook Allows Ivermectin Ads in a Time It Should Not (Motherboard).
Reddit Bans Controversial Covid Subreddit After Users Protest Disinformation (Forbes)
Joe Rogan Claims He Had Covid and Took Bogus Ivermectin Cure (Forbes).
Ivermectin Widely Used To Treat Covid-19 Despite being UnprovenIs Being Studied in The U.K. as A Potential Treatment (Forbes).Demand Surges For Deworming Drugs for Covid, Despite Scant Evidence It Does Work (NYT).
Reddit bans antivaccine subreddit R/NoNewNormal following site-wide protest (The Verge).
Live updates and coverage of the Coronavirus
