A Young Editor Battles the Vaccine Conspiracy Army
Meet Theophila Toh, a 24‑year‑old editorial content producer who’s turned her desk into a front‑line bunker against fake‑news.
The Spark That Fueled Her Mission
- A 65‑year‑old lady slipped into the hospital on October 1 after taking ivermectin on a church’s recommendation.
- That drug, meant to tackle parasite infections, was touted online as a Covid‑19 shield.
- The incident woke Theophila up – especially after spotting her dad, a 58‑year‑old, reading a stack of dubious ivermectin posts.
Why Telegram Became Her New Playground
- Investigations by The Sunday Times uncovered at least 17 Telegram groups and channels buzzing with Covid misinformation.
- Each group hosts 1,000 to 14,000 members—like a digital boarding house where every meal ends with a “Did you know?” factoid.
- Daily bursts of claims about mRNA vaccine safety, eye‑watering science articles, video footage, and personal anecdotes keep the chat rooms humming.
Her Winning Tactics
In the heart of these conversations, Theophila plugs a conversational style marked by:
- Empathy – “I get where you’re coming from!” without sounding like a total stranger.
- A gentle, non‑confrontational approach that stays off the “me‑offended” patrol.
- Probable answers, all backed by peer‑reviewed research and other trustworthy sources. She makes the data feel like a friendly side dish instead of a lecture.
Experts Weigh In
The credibility battle can be tough, especially given the pile of contradictory claims from medical pros, and the anxiety surrounding rising community cases.
Dr. Annabelle Chow, a clinical psychologist with a special interest in geriatrics, warned some key points:
- Older folks are hit hardest by misinformation about vaccine side‑effects and potential harms.
- With Covid cases ballooning and more hospital beds needed, those who once doubted vaccine effectiveness can now read “the proof” that the vaccine is actually working.
Risky Recommendations in the Mix
Three separate Telegram groups pushed users to:
- Download ivermectin as a cure for Covid or to soothe post‑vaccine symptoms.
- Use it as a supplement to supposedly shield people from mRNA vaccine damage.
- And the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) reminded everyone that using ivermectin without a prescription is hazardous—because it isn’t proven for Covid.
Yet, not all voices were consistent: some said the hospitalised woman probably got the drug from a shady source; others claimed it was the Sinopharm vaccine that caused her woes.
The Bottom Line
Theophila’s crusade shows that even a 24‑year‑old can pack real data and a warm heart into every message, turning the tides against misinformation one conversation at a time.
When Misinformation Gets Personal: The Down‑Right Side of Vaccine Rumors
Soon as the world dialed up that all‑too‑common “I’ve seen the needle cause a bone‑cracking backache” story, Dr. Carol Soon—Dr. or Professor? She’s a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies—laid down the truth: those anecdotes can be more compelling than dry science because, let’s face it, we all root for “story vibes” when the next COVID wave is in town.
Why the Story Matters
- Emotion is a roller‑coaster: As Singapore swallows an uptick in infections and deaths, people’s feelings sweated out, making any personal tale feel more real.
- Personalization sells: If someone says, “i felt sore for a week after that jab,” it’s got an almost in‑the‑body taste that a chart never does.
Scientists Talk, People Listen (Sometimes)
Tan Ern Ser, a NUS sociologist, flagged where the mis‑talking might lie. He warned that people who convinced themselves vaccines are a risky gamble—thanks to conflicting voices from med‑celebri‑tists or random doctors—might be quick to throw out the trust box.
- Because the science is still growing wild, the verdicts can be a little fuzzy.
- And the live‑updates from the Web (remember those endless Reddit threads?) can confuse even the best‑intentioned.
Facts, but Oops! Out of Context
Lim Sun Sun, perched over at Singapore University of Technology & Design, warned that some bold claims in the groups could be true—but taken out of context, they’re cooked in a different pot, misinterpreted without any medical seasoning.
Secret Compartments of the Misinformation Underground
- Closed chat rooms: “Whoopsie,” WhatsApp groups are a black hole for fake info.
NTU’s Edson C. Tandoc Jr. says ignoring a single “fake” post in a family group chat can actually be a street‑corner species of harm.
He said, “Some seniors might forward info without believing in it. They get stuck in the wait‑for‑a‑check‑list mode. When everyone stays silent, they think the info is safe.”
Senior Crusaders
- Denny Tian, a 66‑year‑old business development manager, didn’t stand by the wave of rumors. He organized virtual boot‑camps to prove that seniors on the jab track can actually live their best lives.
- “We’re for real! Vaccinated seniors are out here, living happy, not fearing the needles,” Denny declares with a sigh‑of‑relief vibe.
So when you scroll through your chat, think twice: Is it a personal anecdote from an old friend, or a stuff‑in‑capsule story that’s fishing for more people’s trust? Pick the info that’s gleaned from a vetted source and keep the skepticism high—your chest will thank you.
