**10. The role of media and information pollution (infodemia) in stigma and xenophobia associated with COVID-19**

During the pandemic period, people mostly stayed in touch via social media as part of social isolation measures. However, there is an increase in the number of false information and fake news that can negatively affect the health and life of individuals on social media [68]. WHO director Tedros made a statement as "we are not only fighting a pandemic, we are also fighting an infodemic" when the COVID-19 pandemic started [18]. Infodemia is a word derived from the English words "information" and "pandemic". Infodemia can be defined as the excessive circulation of misinformation. WHO reported that the spread of unrealistic or erroneous information about COVID-19 can cause panic and fear in societies, make it difficult to fight the disease, and increase stigma [69]. The spread of false or false information about COVID-19 can cause panic and fear in communities. It can complicate the fight against the disease as well as increase stigma and xenophobia [70]. One of the most negative consequences of the epidemic is the rise of xenophobia. Media reports can have this effect. The lives of individuals exposed to xenophobia may be adversely affected by this situation [49]. Infodemia is a facilitating factor of the stigma associated with COVID-19 [71]. Infodemia is also a serious problem for vaccination studies. Misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines is a serious threat to both public health and national economic security [72]. The infodemic brought by each epidemic has become one of the most compelling factors at the center of the COVID-19 struggle, with the spread of social media communication networks in the recent period.

#### **11. Preventing stigma and xenophobia associated with COVID-19**

Stigma and xenophobia are serious problems. Countries that are successful in infection control thanks to methods such as strict screening, patient isolation, contact tracing, and quarantine should also address the risk of stigma and the negative effects that may arise. Disease-related education and provision of quarantine and public health information to the general public can reduce stigma [5]. Applying strategies to reduce stigma in other diseases for COVID-19 may be important to combat stigma. People affected by COVID-19 should be actively involved in the development and implementation of stigma mitigation strategies and interventions. Lack of correct information and misinformation are the main causes of xenophobia and stigma. This should be taken into account in stigma reduction strategies. Information about COVID-19 should be conveyed concisely and in a culturally appropriate manner to the wider population in a variety of local languages, with particular attention to stigmatized communities. Considered a major force in the fight against COVID 19, the media can play a crucial role by not spreading unconfirmed and exaggerated claims that can promote stigma and xenophobia. The media should spread the right information in order to convey hope, unity, and solidarity to large masses. Finally, it is important to involve those who affect society in the fight against stigma, to create public awareness, and to pay attention to cultural characteristics, to combat stigma during the epidemic [73]. In studies, it is recommended that such studies be carried out and educational interventions should be made with professional staff who have leadership characteristics in the society, such as health workers, police and school children, clergy, headmen, journalists, celebrities. Accurately informing the leading professional groups in society is seen as an effective method in alleviating the burden of stigmatization [74].
