Measles, mumps and misinformation: how Crunchy Moms became ‘the most dangerous’ group on Facebook
Summary
A Guardian investigation found that Facebook group Crunchy Moms, which has more than 490,000 members, contains false claims about vaccines and other health topics, and that Facebook recommended the group to some users. The Guardian said Facebook took no action on more than 50 posts and comments it reported, while Meta said its health misinformation policies and enforcement had not changed since 2023.Key Facts
- A parent sought advice in Crunchy Moms about vaccinating a three-year-old during a measles outbreak in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
- Group members made false claims that measles cannot kill children and that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is harmful.
- Pennsylvania reported six measles-associated deaths that year, including two babies in Lancaster County.
- Health officials say the MMR vaccine is safe and effective and is the best defense against measles.
- The Guardian reported that Facebook recommended Crunchy Moms to users who had not sought out the group.
- The Guardian said Facebook took no action on more than 50 posts and comments it reported between May and September, including claims linking vaccines to autism and promoting black salve as a cancer treatment.
- Meta said its misinformation policies and how they are enforced had not changed since 2023.
- Meta had eliminated U.S. fact-checkers and reduced active moderation of content other than the most severe or illegal material.
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