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Propagating COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories: The Influence of Right-Wing Sources

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  • Wenting Yu
  • Zhicong Chen
  • Xiang Meng
  • Qing Yan

Abstract

Although the growing literature on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) conspiracy theories has highlighted the role of digital media in fomenting beliefs, few studies have examined the influence of the fast-rising far-right media platforms. This study examines and compares the role of conservative media and far-right websites in propagating COVID-19 conspiracy theories and explores an underlying sociopsychological mechanism of political identity. The results of an online survey ( N  = 702) in the United States indicated that people exposed to conservative media and far-right websites were more likely to endorse COVID-19 conspiracy theories, but the impact of conservative media exposure was more prominent. Additionally, the positive relations between conservative media/far-right websites exposure and conspiracy beliefs were stronger among liberal-leaning individuals than conservative-leaning individuals. Counter-attitudinal exposure is often regarded as a crucial element of political deliberation and a solution to opinion polarization. Our findings cautioned, however, that counter-attitudinal exposure would also help propagate conspiracy theories.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenting Yu & Zhicong Chen & Xiang Meng & Qing Yan, 2024. "Propagating COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories: The Influence of Right-Wing Sources," SAGE Open, , vol. 14(2), pages 21582440241, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:14:y:2024:i:2:p:21582440241258026
    DOI: 10.1177/21582440241258026
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