infodemic

Etymology

Blend of information + epidemic. Coined by American writer and foreign policy strategist David Rothkopf in 2003 in the context of the 2002–2004 SARS outbreak, see quotations.

noun

  1. An excessive amount of information concerning a problem such that the solution is made more difficult.“[…”
  2. A wide and rapid spread of misinformation.“But his inclination to prioritise free speech over moderation would soon become a flashpoint with a White House trying to battle a so-called “infodemic” of online conspiracies about the disease and the vaccine.”

adj

  1. Relating to infodemiology.