U.S., April 4 -- Misinformation can be dangerous even during times of relative calm, but during a health crisis like the current pandemic the stakes are much higher.

A new study, titled "Going Viral: How Social Media Is Making the Coronavirus Worse," found that close to a third of the public may harbor false views about the pandemic.

Defeating the coronavirus depends on an informed and conscientious public that will conform to social distancing guidelines; practice good hygiene; and avoid unnecessary trips away from home. But so far the public's response has been mixed, and misinformation about COVID-19 are a big part of the problem.

To help understand the role misinformation is playing in the crisis, new study both surveyed members of...