In the debate about how to deal with stubborn vaccination refusals, the role of social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and TikTok is increasingly coming into focus.

They provide the platform for countless false reports in connection with corona vaccinations: There, untrue claims spread at lightning speed that the vaccines were not adequately tested or led to infertility.

In the United States, this has already brought American President Joe Biden to the scene.

He even accused Facebook of killing people.

Facebook firmly rejects this.

Biden later put his allegation into perspective, and instead targeted a small number of users.

Corinna Budras

Business correspondent in Berlin.

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In Germany, no politician attacks the networks directly, but Federal Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) appeals to the responsibility of Internet users: "Anyone who stirs up fears of vaccination with conspiracy myths and deliberately misinformation in social networks is acting completely irresponsible," she told the FAZ. It can lead to citizens refraining from vaccination due to incorrect information and thereby not only endangering themselves but also others. "

She reminded that there are still many people who cannot protect themselves with a vaccination, such as children under the age of twelve or people with certain pre-existing conditions.

There is currently no general vaccination recommendation for pregnant women either.

In the public debate, the role of social media in vaccination readiness has so far only played a subordinate role, although it is undisputed that it has a major influence.

In return, it is all the more heated about whether, contrary to previous statements, a general compulsory vaccination will soon be introduced in Germany in order to give new impetus to the increasingly sluggish vaccination campaign.

Is serious evidence enough on its own?

Critics warn that this could only harden the fronts further. Justice Minister Lambrecht also has doubts as to whether such a general vaccination requirement would be legally permissible. “Facts and reliable information offers are the best way to counter deliberate misinformation. It is up to all of us to only share trustworthy and reputable information, ”she says. "It is very important that we now do everything we can to advertise a vaccination and to inform all citizens well about the vaccinations - so that we can take away fears and look to a future without further restrictions."

However, doubts are growing as to whether the range of reliable information alone is sufficient. There are now plenty of them on all social networks. The Federal Ministry of Health advertises the benefits of vaccination on all conceivable platforms, and the media are also represented with educational videos on the grossest misinformation. The effects of the flood of misinformation on the Internet, on the other hand, are felt by employers who are confronted with the reservations of their employees and who have to show significantly more commitment to correct the misinformation.

The St. Gereon Senior Services, for example, which operate nursing homes and an outpatient care service, have made such experiences. The managing director Gerd Palm was faced with the problem that among the 300 apprentices, the vaccination skepticism was particularly great, much greater than with the rest of the staff. The reason: Many of the young people just didn't watch the news, but instead looked for information on Facebook and other platforms. There are many rumors circulating there, including about the alleged infertility caused by the corona vaccination. "So we sat down with them and explained what we know," said Palm. Many were convinced that there was nothing to do with the scattered reservations.

In the United States, the discussion about the role of social media is already well underway.

There, the mutual allegations have been exchanged even at the highest level for days.

The president's serious allegation that Facebook kills people was countered by the social network with the assumption that the president wanted to distract attention from not achieving his own vaccination goals.

Biden had promised that 70 percent of the population would be fully vaccinated by Independence Day.

In fact, as in Germany, it is currently only around half.

On the move on Tiktok without facts

Part of the problem may be that the networks have limited resources to contain the anti-vaccination campaign. Facebook, for example, is already more rigid than usual against misinformation in connection with Covid-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the company has removed 18 million pieces of content containing incorrect information about Covid-19 and vaccines, explained a spokesman. However, there are also many closed groups, the exchange of which is difficult to verify anyway.

The TikTok network, which is very popular among young people, also shows how difficult it is to master the problem. There are several statements there, often highlighted with the latest hits, about not getting vaccinated. Other more or less well-known TikTok users report completely fact-free that they do not get vaccinated. Instead, they complain that they are being fooled for this refusal. As pure expressions of opinion, it is unlikely to be justified to delete them - even if they have what it takes to keep young people from vaccinating, even though there has been an approved vaccine for them for months.