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Amid the spread of the novel coronavirus, experts are also worried about the spread of something even more potentially dangerous: misinformation. From viral text messages about government response to miracle cures and treatments, misinformation can easily cause confusion at a time when clarity is essential to help people understand the realities of the disease and the actions they need to take in response.

Conspiracy theories, rumors, and other false information have been shared through messaging apps such as WhatsApp and WeChat and social media channels such as Twitter and Facebook despite aggressive action from the companies to curtail the spread. The overabundance of information, some of which is accurate and some of which is not, makes it "hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance when they need it," according to the World Health Organization, and can lead to panic, fear, distrust, or even deadly consequences.

Join us as our speakers examine the spread of COVID-19 misinformation in China and now in the U.S. and around the world, including the dangers posed by bad information and how we can identify reliable news sources.

Schedule

Thursday, April 9, 2020
7:30 p.m. Moderated Discussion
8 p.m. Audience Q&A (Questions welcome via YouTube)

About the Speakers

Ryan Broderick has been at BuzzFeed News for eight years. He was based in London for the last four years, reporting from 22 countries, covering the spread of far-right populism and tech. He's currently based in New York, covering the intersection of global web culture and politics. Since late January, he has been working steadily on how #COVID19 intersects with web culture and tech platforms —both American and Chinese.

Mustafa Tameez is Outreach Strategists’ Founder and President. Mustafa began his career in New York advertising for corporate clients, but after moving to Texas he shifted to advising successful campaigns for state legislators, mayors, members of Congress and public institutions. Mustafa is a national opinion leader with over 600 appearances on CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, and CBSN. The Atlantic mentions him as a top Democratic consultant in Texas and Texas Monthly refers to him as one of the top Democrats to watch. Mustafa is the Chairman of the Transportation Advocacy Group board, a Director of the Texas Lyceum, and a member of the Unity National Bank board, among other civic and business affiliations. He has also provided extensive consulting services for the Department of Homeland Security.

About the Moderator

Chris Tomlinson is a Business Columnist with The Houston Chronicle, where he has written commentary on business, energy, and economics since 2014. Before joining the Chronicle, he spent 20 years with The Associated Press reporting on politics, conflicts, and economics from more than 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. He is also the author of the New York Times bestseller Tomlinson Hill, and he produced the award-winning documentary film by the same name. Both examine the history and consequences of race, politics, and economics in Texas.

Business and Policy programs are endowed by Huffington Foundation. We give special thanks to Bank of America, Muffet Blake, Anne and Albert Chao, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Nancy Pollok Guinee, United Airlines, and Wells Fargo, Presenting Sponsors of Business and Policy programs; Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, and Leslie and Brad Bucher, Presenting Sponsors of Exhibitions; Dr. Ellen R. Gritz and Milton D. Rosenau and Wells Fargo, Presenting Sponsors of Performing Arts and Culture; and Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Presenting Sponsor of the Japan Series. General support of programs and exhibitions is provided by The Brown Foundation, Inc., The Hearts Foundation, Inc., Houston Endowment, Inc., the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, McKinsey & Company, Inc., National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, Vinson & Elkins LLP, and Mary Lawrence Porter, as well as Friends of Asia Society.

About Asia Society at Home

Though Asia Society is temporarily closed, we are dedicated to continuing our mission of building cross-cultural understanding and uplifting human connectivity. Using digital tools, we bring you content for all ages and conversations that matter, in order to spark curiosity about Asia and to foster empathy.

About Asia Society Texas Center

With 13 locations throughout the world, Asia Society is the leading educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and West. Asia Society Texas Center executes the global mission with a local focus, enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach.