Just a few years ago, talk of 5G dangers was mostly relegated to the fringes of conspiracy circles, largely unheard of by the general public. Fast forward to recent weeks, and unfounded claims linking 5G to the COVID-19 pandemic have exploded into the mainstream. This surge in baseless theories has resulted in alarming incidents, from attacks on phone masts to government backlash.
Experts point to a perfect storm of conditions that fueled this “dangerous nonsense.” The rise of local social media groups, a lack of clear communication from networks about the scientific evidence on 5G, and a population grappling with a chaotic world have all played pivotal roles.
As the public’s fear intensified, some have turned hostile towards telecom engineers, resorting to arson attacks on masts, many of which aren’t even equipped with 5G due to slow rollouts.
Tom Phillips from Full Fact, a fact-checking organization, highlighted the evolving nature of these claims. They range from suggesting 5G worsens the virus to alleging the symptoms are solely due to 5G, or even positing that the entire pandemic is a cover-up for 5G installations.
Misleading maps purportedly linking COVID-19 cases with 5G coverage fueled further misinformation. But these maps were inaccurate, overlooking the timing of 5G implementation in various regions.
Despite scientific consensus and guidelines assuring the safety of 5G by organizations like the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, concerns persisted. Dr. Eric van Rongen emphasized the thorough research and public consultation behind these guidelines.
Social media amplified these theories, with some news outlets chasing clicks by promoting unfounded claims. Celebrities, wielding immense online influence, inadvertently added fuel to the fire, although some later retracted their support.
Under pressure, Facebook pledged to remove false claims linking COVID-19 to 5G. However, their stance on other scientifically unjustified 5G claims remains unclear.
Online groups merged anti-5G sentiments with vaccine skepticism and absurd notions about empty hospital wards, showcasing a disturbing blend of misinformation.
This isn’t the first time such fears have gripped the public. Similar concerns arose during the 3G era, with instances of direct action against masts.
Despite prior warnings, the industry failed in comprehensive outreach efforts to allay these fears. Clarifying that 5G operates similarly to 4G in terms of mobile spectrum usage might have prevented misunderstandings.
Convincing those deeply entrenched in these beliefs proves challenging. Tom Phillips emphasizes the need for compassion while debunking false information and replacing it with credible sources, acknowledging the difficulty in overcoming conspiracy-fueled convictions.
As the 5G conspiracy rages on, it serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of combating misinformation in an age where sensationalism often overshadows scientific facts.