Conspiracy theories are mostly driven by beliefs that powerful people have worked together to withhold the truth about some important practice or some terrible events. A recent example is the belief, widespread in some parts of the world, that the attacks of 9/11 were carried out not by Al Qaeda, but by Israel or the United States.
The 5G Conspiracy
As the spread of the coronavirus proves difficult to contain and control, so is the misinformation surrounding it. One of the most recent, baseless conspiracy theories surrounding the virus is that 5G networks — the next generation of wireless technology that’s steadily being rolled out around the world — are fueling the global coronavirus pandemic. They are not.
Unfounded claims about a supposed link between 5G and COVID-19 began circulating on the internet.
In the United Kingdom, there are concerns that recent attacks on cell phone towers were motivated by false conspiracy theories. Meanwhile, Pastor Chris Oyakilome has been able to influence a lot of people by spreading such claims to millions of his followers.
There’s no evidence to support the theory that 5G networks causes COVID-19 or contribute to its spread, there are several theories linking 5G and COVID-19. One simply suggests that 5G networks cause COVID-19 or symptoms of the infection. Another more insidious one is that 5G networks emit radiation that weakens the immune system, making people more susceptible to infection.
What Is 5G
5G is a next-generation wireless network that is expected to enable a wave of technologies that will change the way that people live and work, the potential applications include self-driving cars, remote surgeries, and automated factories, though it will be a while before we see those kinds of changes. These benefits and innovations are very key to the development of a society and therefore should be welcomed with open arms.
How Does 5G Differ From 4G
![REPORT] 4G mobile network performance in Nigeria witnessed ...](https://i2.wp.com/techeconomy.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/4G-LTE-Wireless-Network.jpg?resize=620%2C413&ssl=1)
The big differences between 4G and 5G are faster speeds, higher bandwidth and lower lag time in communications between devices and servers.
5G signals run over new radio frequencies, which require updating radios and other equipment on cell towers. Carriers building superfast 5G networks have to install tons of small cell sites to light poles, walls or towers, often in close proximity to each other. So far, the networks have mostly been deployed city by city.
Linking 5G And COVID-19
5G networks began rolling out in cities and countries in 2018 but were more widely adopted in 2019 – the same year that Wuhan, China, saw the world’s first coronavirus outbreak.
Conspiracy theorists were quick to link the two, ignoring the ever-relevant adage: Correlation does not imply causation.
People on the internet shared two maps of the United States suggesting areas that had been hit hardest by COVID-19 were also places where 5G networks had been installed.
Another thing those areas have in common? They’re metropolitan areas: large population centers that are more vulnerable to the spread of the coronavirus and are more likely to adopt 5G networks earlier.
There are other reasons those suggestions don’t hold up. Although Iran has not rolled out 5G, it’s one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic.
Upgrades to wireless infrastructure have been falsely linked to diseases before, and the same has happened this time around with the coronavirus.
Many of the 5G/COVID-19 conspiracy theories are linked to groups that have long claimed that wireless airwaves cause cancer, though there is no credible evidence to support this. Even in Nigeria, we are made to believe that living near a base station is suicidal.
Research shows that radiofrequency (RF) waves given off by cell phones do not have enough energy to damage DNA directly or heat body tissues — their energy levels are lower even than technologies such as microwave ovens and televisions. What’s more, signals are actually worse at penetrating objects than 4G signals, which is why 5G networks re
Like the previous generations of wireless network technology (4G, 3G, and 2G), 5G mobile data is transmitted over radio waves. Other types of technology that use radio waves include smart meters, TV and radio transmitters, and radar and satellite communications. Most modern medical laboratory equipment uses radio waves, some use nuclear radiation, but they are used within the guidelines.
It is also important to note that every medication has a recommended dosage. This is basically the same principle on which radio waves operate. There are acceptable safe limits, which are determined and regulated by International Technology Regulatory bodies.
Ignorance has played a great role in this baseless conspiracy theory.
There are no 5G networks at all in Iran, yet this country has been severely affected by COVID-19. Was there 5G or a conspiracy theory behind the Spanish Flu that decimated the world population between 1918 and 1920 and killed over 50 million people worldwide including 500,000 Nigerians?
Lastly there other conspiracy theories that have come up from COVID-19 as the 5G theory
• The Illuminati theory
• The Bill Gate theory
• Bio Weapon theory
• Movie and Novel predictions
However, it’s our duty to dispel all these imaginations created by distractors. COVID-19 is real. Let’s abide by all the WHO has advised. The number of new infections are increasing geometrically; the death toll is also becoming unbearable.
Let’s inform and educate everyone.
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.
