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Information Source Use and Social Media Engagement: Examining their Effects on Origin of COVID-19 Beliefs

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  • Kristin E. Gibson
  • Catherine E. Sanders
  • Alexa J. Lamm

Abstract

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly infectious virus transmitted through droplets from sneezes and coughs, was declared a global pandemic in 2020. Measures implemented by organizations as a result of COVID-19 were controversial among United States (U.S.) citizens. Perceptions of governmental and scientific information further divided U.S. citizens and distrust in science fostered conspiratorial thinking toward the origin of the virus. The purpose of this study was to determine if critical thinking style (CTS), the use of COVID-19 information sources, and social media connections were predictors of origin of COVID-19 beliefs. A survey was disseminated to 1,048 U.S. adults in May 2020 when most states were under shelter-in-place orders. Results indicated select COVID-19 information sources used and social media connections predicted origin of COVID-19 beliefs. CTS was not a significant predictor. Findings revealed a partisan divide between COVID-19 information sources. Implications for science communicators engaging the public during crisis were discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Kristin E. Gibson & Catherine E. Sanders & Alexa J. Lamm, 2021. "Information Source Use and Social Media Engagement: Examining their Effects on Origin of COVID-19 Beliefs," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(4), pages 21582440211, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:11:y:2021:i:4:p:21582440211061324
    DOI: 10.1177/21582440211061324
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    Cited by:

    1. Zixuan Weng & Aijun Lin, 2022. "Public Opinion Manipulation on Social Media: Social Network Analysis of Twitter Bots during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Fotakis, Emmanouil Alexandros & Simou, Effie, 2023. "Belief in COVID-19 related conspiracy theories around the globe: A systematic review," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).

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