I don’t trust FLCCC, please stop.

August 22, 2023 4:16 PM

My co-worker keeps sharing links to what I believe to be misinformation about COVID into the team group chat. Is it worth to say stop it—and if so, how? I feel like ignoring it and not addressing it is an invitation to continue. It’s one thing to say let’s not talk politics in the office, but this?
posted by xicana63 to Human Relations (9 answers total)

"Can we keep this group chat for work/project related information only? That will make it easier for me/us to follow and keep track of important milestones/tasks. Feel free to set up a separate channel for other discussions that people can opt into. Thanks!"
posted by brookeb at 4:28 PM on August 22, 2023 [14 favorites]

I think the "off-topic" approach is maybe politically safest for you at work but also I personally fear that's letting them off too lightly.

This isn't just opinionated chatter, this is demonstrable misinformation that does real harm. It's basically akin to harassment or abuse.

The jerk that founded that group just got his certification revoked for blatantly spreading harmful misinformation. That doesn't happen very often.

I'd consider posting the Wikipedia page for IFCCC as well as their founders to alert everyone that it's bullshit, tell them to specifically stop sharing dangerous misinfo on company time, and be ready to go to HR with a harassment claim if they don't stop. Maybe start with HR if you don't want to come out so aggressively.
posted by SaltySalticid at 4:46 PM on August 22, 2023 [9 favorites]

If you could, it would be a service to find a reliable source pointing out that (his source) is misinformation or unreliable and share it gently but to the whole chat - like a "hi, I'm not sure if you're aware, but __ is not considered to be a good source of information on public health! You can get the latest official guidance from public health agencies directly like CDC.gov, and __ is a good place to check if you're not sure whether something is trustworthy info to share."

Also or instead, you could say something about limiting work PSAs to less disputed/controversial sources
posted by Lady Li at 4:46 PM on August 22, 2023 [1 favorite]

The one and only good thing about covid becoming so politicized in the US is that you can shut off conversation in a work environment by pointing to the "no politics at work" rule of thumb.
posted by Dip Flash at 5:11 PM on August 22, 2023 [3 favorites]

Wikipedia
I'd post the wikipedia page and note that the poster has given the information and does not need to be re-posting it. And I'd complain to a manger about politicking/ proselyting bad information.
posted by theora55 at 8:16 PM on August 22, 2023

Unless you feel that you’re particularly vulnerable to this particular person, I think it’s good practice to call out misinformation. Let someone else say “no politics at work.” Agree with the above about the wiki page, you don’t have to say a lot more.
posted by vunder at 10:17 PM on August 22, 2023

Another interesting fact: Kory himself came down with COVID in August 2021 while taking his own recommended weekly dose of IVM as "prevention". He doubled down, literally, by upping his recommendation to twice a week.

Let's not forget Aaron Rodgers, who refused to be vaxxed, lied about being vaxxed, then after coming down with COVID, tried to self-treat with IVM.
posted by kschang at 12:08 AM on August 23, 2023

My employment policy manual has a strict provision against making product health claims (i.e. nobody wants to hear some bro talk about his supplement regimen) or offering medical advice. If you have something similar, bring it up with HR. It shouldn't be up to you to police misinformation like this when your HR department can surgically, tactfully contact the offenders and say to lay off the unsolicited advice.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 3:47 AM on August 23, 2023 [3 favorites]

Personally, I would ask HR for advice first, just as a CYA thing.
posted by Kurichina at 7:23 AM on August 23, 2023 [3 favorites]