The COVID Associated misinfoRmation On Messaging apps study (CAROM) aims to address health disparities in the South Asian community by examining the spread of misinformation about COVID-19 on WhatsApp.

Free messaging apps like WhatsApp have connected members of the South Asian diaspora from across the globe; nearly 20% of WhatsApp 2 billion users are located in India alone. However, it can be difficult to regulate misinformation on these apps given their private nature. Addressing misinformation about COVID-19 -- disease, treatment, and vaccines -- is essential to supporting public health interventions during the pandemic. Given the absence of disaggregated data about the impact of misinformation on the South Asian community in particular, this study aims to shed light on the misinformation and rumors spreading through the South Asian diaspora and how the community responds to it.

If you are over the age of 18 and a member of the South Asian community, you can participate by forwarding any messages or screenshots containing misinformation about COVID-19 on WhatsApp to our study number at +1-415-409-9085. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. Thank you for participating in this important study!