Melisa Basol, born in 1995, is a remarkable entrepreneur who co-founded Go Viral, a not-for-profit venture that addresses the critical issue of misinformation, particularly in the context of healthcare. Despite her young age, Melisa’s dedication to combating misinformation and promoting evidence-based information has earned her recognition and accolades.
Founding Go Viral: In 2021, at the age of 28, Melisa Basol co-founded Go Viral, a unique social intervention game. Her motivation behind this initiative was not to generate funding or revenue but to safeguard people from the dangers of misinformation, a threat that became all too evident during the Covid-19 pandemic. Misinformation and rumors often spread faster than facts, posing a significant public health risk.
The Go Viral Game: The Go Viral game, developed in collaboration with the UK Cabinet Office, utilizes the concept of inoculation theory. This social psychological and communication theory explains how attitudes or beliefs can be protected against persuasion or influence, much like the human body can be protected against disease through pre-exposure to a weaker version of a future threat.
Collaboration and Recognition: One of the notable aspects of Go Viral is its collaboration with prestigious organizations such as UNESCO, the United Nations (UN), and the World Health Organization (WHO). These global bodies recognize the significance of Melisa Basol’s work in combating misinformation.
Impact and Reach: Since its launch, the Go Viral app has achieved significant impact. It has been downloaded over 1.4 million times and is available in 13 different languages. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the game in reaching diverse populations and countering misinformation on a global scale.
Professional Achievements: Dr. Melisa Basol’s background as a Social Psychologist has played a crucial role in her ability to understand and address the challenges related to misinformation. Her expertise in evidence-based policy-making has earned her recognition, including being featured in Forbes 30 under 30 in Europe in 2022. She is considered an expert advisor on evidence-based policy-making and is frequently invited to share her insights on international media platforms like BBC World and TedX.
Melisa Basol’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of innovation and social impact. Her work with Go Viral serves as a vital tool in the ongoing battle against misinformation, particularly in the realm of healthcare, and her commitment to promoting accurate information and evidence-based decision-making has garnered widespread acclaim.