The Macmillian Dictionary defines “COVIDiot” as “an insulting term for someone who ignores health advice about COVID-19.” Urban Dictionary takes a pretty similar approach, defining “COVIDiot” as “someone who ignores the warnings regarding public health or safety. A person who hoards goods, denying them from their neighbors.”
Basically, a COVIDiot doesn’t take COVID-19 and the risks of the virus seriously, despite what government officials and the global health community say. At the same time, they may also engage in selfish behavior that doesn’t look out for the greater good when it comes to slowing down and stopping the spread of the coronavirus.
A COVIDiot is likely to say COVID-19 is a hoax or overblown, get pissed off when they’re asked to wear a mask, or refer to COVID-19 as “just a flu.”
They are confused and delusional also believing conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories are often used within a time of heightened anxiety to explain events beyond our control, Geoffrey Dancy, an expert in conspiracy theories, told Insider in March.
Insider reported that a new study has shown that those who believe in COVID-19 conspiracies are more likely to catch the virus, lose their jobs, and face social isolation. The Dutch study, published by Cambridge University Press, found that those who believe in COVID-19 conspiracies are less likely to be tested for COVID-19, but when tested, are more likely to be infected. They also noted that there is a higher probability of this group violating coronavirus regulations and experiencing social rejection, reduced income, and decreased overall well-being.
Led by first author and social psychologist Jan-Willem van Prooijen, the study’s researchers surveyed 5,745 people to provide a large sample from a cross-section of Netherlands’ society, first in April 2020 and then again in December 2020.