Keynote Speaker: Infodemiologist, Pauline W. Hoffmann, Ph.D.
Pauline Hoffmann is a scholar practitioner molding the minds of her students and practicing what she preaches. She has a LinkedIn newsletter titled WTF? (What the Facts?) which delves into all things infodemic. She is the author of Fake News, Witch Hunts & Conspiracy Theories: An Infodemiologist’s Guide to the Truth. She received her doctorate and master’s degrees in communication from the State University of New York at Buffalo and her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from St. Bonaventure University. Additionally, she completed the World Health Organization Infodemic Manager Training Program. She is a New York State Senior Public Health Fellow working with the Cattaraugus County Health Department on strategic and communication planning and implementation. She is also a Richard P. Nathan Public Policy Fellow writing a policy brief on disinformation related to lead poisoning as it impacts public health.
Keynote presentation: The concept of an “infodemic,” the widespread dissemination of misinformation, was first coined by David Rothkopf in 2003 during the SARS epidemic, highlighting the alarming spread of false information alongside the outbreak. This session will delve into a number of topics related to the infodemic including understanding why people believe disinformation, how to identify it, tactics used by disinformationists to create and disseminate untruths, and how we can beat them at their own game. Examples used will relate to health care, specifically reproductive health. Dr. Hoffmann will also discuss the importance of developing partnerships with other community groups to better inoculate against the infodemic and prepare for future crises.
