Sydney Morning Herald - The other virus: distrust rides high on the back of COVID-19

University of Sydney researchers found men and people aged 18 to 25 were more likely to believe COVID-19 myths.

Behavioural scientist Dr Carissa Bonner says their initial survey showed younger people and men were more likely to think the benefit of herd immunity was covered up and the threat of COVID-19 was exaggerated.

Younger people were more likely to believe cure myths, such as vitamin C and hydroxychloroquine being effective treatments. Those with lower education and more social disadvantage were more likely to believe 5G was being used to spread the virus.

However Bonner says the prevalence of the 5G conspiracy theory is very low, with less than 1 per cent of those surveyed holding this belief. The researchers say there is a need for more targeted research with young Australians and men in particular about why some of them believe these myths and what might change their mind.