The presumed influence of digital misinformation: examining US public’s support for governmental restrictions versus corrective action in the COVID-19 pandemic

Cheng, Yang; Luo, Yunjuan

doi:10.1108/oir-08-2020-0386

Cited by 34 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 62 publications

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“…However, a few studies reported that misinformation led to fear and panic and to people becoming tired of hearing about COVID-19. There is evidence that misinformation can evoke negative emotions, 34 which could, in turn, further contribute to its spread. 35…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19-related misinformation on social media: a systematic review

Gabarrón

Oyeyemi

Wynn

2021

Bull. World Health Organ.

207

102

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Objective To review misinformation related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on social media during the first phase of the pandemic and to discuss ways of countering misinformation. Methods We searched PubMed®, Scopus, Embase®, PsycInfo and Google Scholar databases on 5 May 2020 and 1 June 2020 for publications related to COVID-19 and social media which dealt with misinformation and which were primary empirical studies. We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses and the guidelines for using a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews. Evidence quality and the risk of bias of included studies were classified using the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation approach. The review is registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42020182154). Findings We identified 22 studies for inclusion in the qualitative synthesis. The proportion of COVID-19 misinformation on social media ranged from 0.2% (413/212 846) to 28.8% (194/673) of posts. Of the 22 studies, 11 did not categorize the type of COVID-19-related misinformation, nine described specific misinformation myths and two reported sarcasm or humour related to COVID-19. Only four studies addressed the possible consequences of COVID-19-related misinformation: all reported that it led to fear or panic. Conclusion Social media play an increasingly important role in spreading both accurate information and misinformation. The findings of this review may help health-care organizations prepare their responses to subsequent phases in the COVID–19 infodemic and to future infodemics in general.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19-related misinformation on social media: a systematic review

Gabarrón

Oyeyemi

Wynn

2021

Bull. World Health Organ.

207

102

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“…Without preexisting immunity to this novel coronavirus, it is believed that everyone is susceptible to COVID-19; however, it has been often compared to the flu, and the danger of COVID-19 has been downplayed by some American media and politicians. Such misinformation could have an impact on the public’s belief in the threat of this disease [ 16 ]. Based on previous findings of age disparity in risk perception, we hypothesize that older age is associated with higher perceived severity of the disease.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Moderating Effects of Perceived Severity on the Generational Gap in Preventive Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the U.S.

Luo

Cheng

Sui

2021

IJERPH

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults appear to be more susceptible to the coronavirus disease. Although the health stakes are higher for older adults, individuals of all ages should adopt preventive measures to contain the human-to-human transmission of the virus. This study conducted a national online survey of 1843 adults at the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. to examine age disparities in preventive behaviors against the virus. The results show that older generations, motivated by a higher perceived severity of the disease, were more likely to take the precautionary actions recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) than younger generations. This thus suggests that persuasive health messages addressing the severity of COVID-19 might reduce the generational gap and promote preventive behaviors among young people, to protect themselves and the elderly.

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“…The absence of a national strategy for battling the pandemic also leaves state and local governments responsible for creating their own response strategies and policies [ 1 ]. However, misinformation and disinformation continue to circulate on social media platforms with unprecedented volume and velocity, which affects the public’s trust in and response to governmental restrictions and corrective actions [ 2 , 3 ]. Thus, it is crucial to examine how state and local health departments communicate with their stakeholders on social media platforms.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Texas Public Agencies’ Tweets and Public Engagement During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Natural Language Processing Approach

Tang¹,

Liu²,

Thomas³

et al. 2021

JMIR Public Health Surveill

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Background The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is characterized by different morbidity and mortality rates across different states, cities, rural areas, and diverse neighborhoods. The absence of a national strategy for battling the pandemic also leaves state and local governments responsible for creating their own response strategies and policies. Objective This study examines the content of COVID-19–related tweets posted by public health agencies in Texas and how content characteristics can predict the level of public engagement. Methods All COVID-19–related tweets (N=7269) posted by Texas public agencies during the first 6 months of 2020 were classified in terms of each tweet’s functions (whether the tweet provides information, promotes action, or builds community), the preventative measures mentioned, and the health beliefs discussed, by using natural language processing. Hierarchical linear regressions were conducted to explore how tweet content predicted public engagement. Results The information function was the most prominent function, followed by the action or community functions. Beliefs regarding susceptibility, severity, and benefits were the most frequently covered health beliefs. Tweets that served the information or action functions were more likely to be retweeted, while tweets that served the action and community functions were more likely to be liked. Tweets that provided susceptibility information resulted in the most public engagement in terms of the number of retweets and likes. Conclusions Public health agencies should continue to use Twitter to disseminate information, promote action, and build communities. They need to improve their strategies for designing social media messages about the benefits of disease prevention behaviors and audiences’ self-efficacy.

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The presumed influence of digital misinformation: examining US public’s support for governmental restrictions versus corrective action in the COVID-19 pandemic

Cited by 34 publications

References 62 publications

COVID-19-related misinformation on social media: a systematic review

COVID-19-related misinformation on social media: a systematic review

The Moderating Effects of Perceived Severity on the Generational Gap in Preventive Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the U.S.

Texas Public Agencies’ Tweets and Public Engagement During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Natural Language Processing Approach

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