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Validation of the COVID-19 Transmission Misinformation Scale and Conditional Indirect Negative Effects on Wearing a Mask in Public

Author

Listed:
  • Stephen Bok

    (Marketing Department, California State University, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward, CA 94542, USA)

  • Daniel E. Martin

    (Management Department, California State University, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward, CA 94542, USA)

  • Erik Acosta

    (Marketing Department, California State University, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward, CA 94542, USA)

  • Maria Lee

    (Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley, CA 92697, USA)

  • James Shum

    (Accounting Department, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA)

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic devastated the world economy. Global infections and deaths altered the behaviors of generations. The Internet acted as an incredible vehicle for communication but was also a source of unfounded rumors. Unfortunately, this freedom of information sharing and fear of COVID-19 fostered unfounded claims about transmission (e.g., 5G networks spread the disease). With negligible enforcement to stop the spread of rumors and government officials spouting unfounded claims, falsities became ubiquitous. Organizations, public health officials, researchers, and businesses spent limited resources addressing rumors instead of implementing policies to overcome challenges (e.g., speaking to defiant mask wearers versus safe reopening actions). The researchers defined COVID-19 transmission misinformation as false beliefs about the spread and prevention of contracting the disease. Design and validation of the 12-item COVID-19 Transmission Misinformation Scale (CTMS) provides a measure to identify transmission misinformation believers. Indirect COVID-19 transmission misinformation beliefs with a fear of COVID-19 decreased wearing a mask in public intentions. Callousness exacerbated COVID-19 transmission misinformation beliefs as a moderator.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen Bok & Daniel E. Martin & Erik Acosta & Maria Lee & James Shum, 2021. "Validation of the COVID-19 Transmission Misinformation Scale and Conditional Indirect Negative Effects on Wearing a Mask in Public," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-23, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:21:p:11319-:d:666668
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Israa Baker & Nizar Marzouqa & Bashar Nafe’ Yaghi & Samer Osama Adawi & Shahd Yousef & Tayseer Nedal Sabooh & Nataly Mazen Salhab & Hiba Mahmoud Khrishi & Yahya Qabaja & Abanoub Riad & Elham Kateeb & , 2021. "The Impact of Information Sources on COVID-19-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) among University Students: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-18, November.
    2. Xia, Huosong & Wang, Yuan & Zhang, Justin Zuopeng & Zheng, Leven J. & Kamal, Muhammad Mustafa & Arya, Varsha, 2023. "COVID-19 fake news detection: A hybrid CNN-BiLSTM-AM model," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).

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