Thematic Analysis in the Field of Covid-19 Misinformation and Disinformation in Web of Science

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented the world with significant challenges. The infodemic surrounding this disease encompasses four main subject areas where people are seeking reliable information, but also encountering a significant amount of misinformation and rumors. These areas include: the cause and origin of the virus and disease; the signs and patterns of transmission; available treatments, prevention, and treatment options; and the effectiveness and impact of interventions by health authorities or other institutions. This also causes harm to the people in society and jeopardizes the stability of the global health system, making it challenging to address the epidemic. Access to a vast amount of false information about the Covid-19 virus can contribute to the spread of misunderstandings about the disease in society and negatively impact various aspects of people's lives, particularly their mental health. The public health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has been exacerbated by the effects of misinformation. In light of the spread of the coronavirus, false information has proliferated worldwide, making it challenging to discern between true and false information. The spread of fake news and dissemination of false information, much like the transmission of the coronavirus, can have far-reaching consequences on various aspects of people's lives. It can cause significant harm by perpetuating misunderstandings about the disease within society, and, conversely, contribute to the escalation of the epidemic. Considering the significant increase in research on Covid-19, it would be helpful for researchers to identify the subject areas, structure, and scientific map of articles related to the disease. This will allow them to gain a better understanding of the international subject areas and related issues in this field. Therefore, it seems necessary to expand and strengthen scientific and research studies in the field of the COVID-19 virus in order to reduce the risks and fully contain this disease. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to conduct a thematic analysis and examine scientific collaborations in research related to misinformation and disinformation in the field of Covid-19, based on studies from the Web of Science. 

The present study is a descriptive-analytical study with a scientometric approach. It utilizes the method of content analysis, hierarchical clustering techniques, strategic diagrams, co-authorship analysis, and social network analysis. The research focuses on articles related to misinformation and disinformation in the field of Covid-19. HistCite, Bibexcel, UCINET, and SPSS software are used for data analysis. 

Among the studies in this field, 3688 studies related to misinformation and disinformation in the field of Covid-19 were found. The keywords "social media," "vaccination," and "general health" ranked first, second, and third, respectively, with frequencies of 332, 158, and 145. On the other hand, topics such as "Covid-19 and social media" with 334 instances of co-occurrence have been assigned as study topics in this field. Additionally, the majority of works were published in 2021. Kumar S. has published the highest number of works among the authors, with 11 works. Godman B. and Haque M. are in second and third place, respectively, with 8 works each. America is in first place with 1068 works, while England and China are in second and third place with 476 and 323 works, respectively. Most of the studies have been published in English. "The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health" has the highest number of published studies among other publications, with 96 articles. "The Journal of Medical Internet Research" and "PLOS ONE" are ranked second and third, with 74 and 44 articles, respectively. Among the institutions, the "University of Oxford" is at the top with 49 works and holds the first place, while the "University of Toronto" and the "London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine" are in second and third place with 40 and 34 works, respectively. The results obtained from the hierarchical diagram form two clusters: the first cluster includes factors affecting the creation of misinformation and disinformation in the field of Covid-19, and the second cluster focuses on the effects of misinformation and disinformation in the same field. Clusters are present in the first and third regions. 

Understanding the findings of scientometric studies in strategic areas like the Covid-19 pandemic can greatly assist researchers and policymakers in the healthcare and treatment field in making informed decisions and developing effective solutions. It can also help in creating a knowledge map and conducting valuable studies. Analysis and comparison of studies related to misinformation and disinformation in the field of Covid-19 lead to a better understanding of current trends, gaps, and dominant discourse, with the aim of improving both the quantity and quality of information. The results of this study can also assist managers and policy makers in making more informed decisions.