News Attention and Social-Distancing Behavior Amid COVID-19: How Media Trust and Social Norms Moderate a Mediated Relationship

Using the "Media as Mediator" Approach to Understand the Influence of Communication Channel Trust on COVID-19 Protective Behaviors: England, January 2022

In a secondary analysis, we examine how trust in pro-recommendation versus alternative communication channels mediated effects of demographic, personality, lifestyle, and political variables on COVID-19 protective behavior in England. In so doing, we adapt the media-as-mediator approach to the pandemic context. Respondents reported that family, close friends, primary care medical providers, and mainstream news media were relatively supportive of public health recommendations, and social media friend networks, faith/community groups, alternative news sites, and alternative health practitioners were relatively unsupportive. Parallel mediation analyses showed that effects of age, dutiful civic-mindedness, sensation-seeking, healthy lifestyle orientation, and more marginally, race on COVID-19 protective behavior were mediated by trust in these pro-recommendation and/or alternative communication channels. In some cases, trust in exemplars of both types of channels resulted in these channels influences largely canceling one another out.

Closing the Gap: How Psychological Distance Influences Willingness to Engage in Risky COVID Behavior

Pandemics, and other risk-related contexts, require dynamic changes in behavior as situations develop. Human behavior is influenced by both explicit (cognitive) and implicit (intuitive) factors. In this study, we used psychological distance as a lens to understand what influences our decision-making with regard to risk in the context of COVID-19. This study was based on the rationale that our relational needs are more concrete to us than the risk of the virus. First, we explored the impact of social-psychological distance on participants' risk perceptions and behavioral willingness. As hypothesized, we found that close social relationships of agents promoted willingness to engage in risky behavior. In the second phase, we tested an intervention designed to increase the concreteness of information about virus transmission as a mechanism to mitigate the bias of social influence. We found that the concreteness intervention resulted in significantly reduced willingness to engage in risky behavior. As such, communications aimed at changing the behavior of citizens during times of increased risk or danger should consider conceptually concrete messaging when communicating complex risk, and hence may provide a valuable tool in promoting health-related behavior.

A synthesis of evidence for policy from behavioural science during COVID-19

Scientific evidence regularly guides policy decisions1, with behavioural science increasingly part of this process2. In April 2020, an influential paper3 proposed 19 policy recommendations ('claims') detailing how evidence from behavioural science could contribute to efforts to reduce impacts and end the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we assess 747 pandemic-related research articles that empirically investigated those claims. We report the scale of evidence and whether evidence supports them to indicate applicability for policymaking. Two independent teams, involving 72 reviewers, found evidence for 18 of 19 claims, with both teams finding evidence supporting 16 (89%) of those 18 claims. The strongest evidence supported claims that anticipated culture, polarization and misinformation would be associated with policy effectiveness. Claims suggesting trusted leaders and positive social norms increased adherence to behavioural interventions also had strong empirical support, as did appealing to social consensus or bipartisan agreement. Targeted language in messaging yielded mixed effects and there were no effects for highlighting individual benefits or protecting others. No available evidence existed to assess any distinct differences in effects between using the terms 'physical distancing' and 'social distancing'. Analysis of 463 papers containing data showed generally large samples; 418 involved human participants with a mean of 16,848 (median of 1,699). That statistical power underscored improved suitability of behavioural science research for informing policy decisions. Furthermore, by implementing a standardized approach to evidence selection and synthesis, we amplify broader implications for advancing scientific evidence in policy formulation and prioritization.

COVID-19 in Portugal: A Pandemic Redesigned by the Media

The news media in Portugal played an important role during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing people with important and up-to-date health information. However, the number of news reports did not always correspond to the severity of the pandemic. There was significant media attention at the beginning of the pandemic (in early 2020), but media coverage soon declined, and the Portuguese media began to report on a greater diversity of topics. The present study assessed the evolution of news reports in Portugal during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic by analysis of epidemiological data (cases, deaths, and hospitalizations) and television news lineups from the three major generalist television channels, RTP1, SIC, TVI. The study period was from March 2020 (when the first lockdown was instituted) to March 2021 (when there was the second gradual withdrawal of restrictions). Our results indicated that there was intense media coverage of COVID-19 during the first phase of the pandemic, even though epidemiological data showed there was not a severe health crisis at that time. However, the number of news stories about the pandemic soon declined, and this number was much lower during the worst period of the pandemic. Hence, the intensity of coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Portuguese media provided a distorted image of the actual pandemic. All things considered, we strongly advise for the inclusion of a communication plan that would help address future health emergency crisis. All things considered, we recommend that in future health crisis there is a planned communication strategy that takes into account media relations.

Considering Social Identity Threat Alongside the Health Belief Model to Examine Mask-Wearing Intentions of Black, Latinx, and Asian Individuals in the U.S. During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. public health officials have recommended various safety protocols to "stop the spread", and atop the list is wearing a mask. Individuals from particular racial groups have also contended with a surge of racial profiling and race-based discrimination that has positioned mask-wearing as a risky yet health-promoting behavior. Using the health belief model (HBM), this study considers how racism and health intersect by examining the emotions, behavioral intentions, and health outcomes of mask-wearing among Black, Latinx, and Asian individuals. Cross-sectional survey data from 521 participants from across the United States were collected and analyzed using quantitative analyses. Results did not indicate significant differences in mask-wearing intentions between racial groups as predicted by the health belief model constructs; however, group differences in experiences of racism did shape perceptions of and behaviors related to mask-wearing. Mask-wearing was also related to more positive emotional experiences, and social cues to action predicted intentions to wear a mask. Implications for encouraging health-promoting behaviors across diverse populations during public health crises are discussed.

Applying Structural Equation Modelling to Understand the Implementation of Social Distancing in the Professional Lives of Healthcare Workers

This study, based on the normalization process theory (NPT), explores the implementation of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs)-specifically social distancing (SD)-in the professional lives of healthcare workers in three Pakistani hospitals. We collected and analysed health workers' data using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and assessed the policy implications of the results. Violations of normality assumptions in the quantitative data and the need for scores of independent variables for follow-up analysis guided the researchers to adopt a structural equation modelling process that involved a stepwise evaluation process for convergent validity, individual item validity, discriminant validity, the structural model relationship, and overall model fitness. Theoretical constructs coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, and reflexive monitoring were found to influence the normalization of SD. The results show that SD was normalized in the professional lives of healthcare workers through strong collective action (resources required) and reflexive monitoring (appraisal) but weak cognitive participation (actors' engagement) and coherence (sense-making). Low and middle-income countries (LMICs) should work more on actors' sense-making and engagement in dealing with healthcare crises that require SD. The research findings can aid policy institutions in better understanding the loopholes in the implementation process and making better policies.

Formation mechanism and governance strategies of stigma in public health emergencies: Based on event system theory

Introduction

With the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic across the world, it is critical to propose effective strategies for stigma governance in public health emergencies in order to reduce negative effects caused by stigma. However, no known research has focused on the essential role of events in understanding stigma phenomenon from the perspective of external dynamic changes.

Methods

Based on the event system theory, this paper analyzes the evolution mode and characteristics of specific events in the process of stigmatization from strength, space and time aspects, and taking COVID-19 event as an example, 1202 questionnaires and empirical analysis were conducted.

Results and discussion

Our results reveal that event strength directly affects the results of stigmatization, and such impact appears to be more prominent with a novel, disruptive and critical event. In addition, spatial and temporal attributes represent the dynamic development of an event, and they can interact with event strength to regulate the relationship between event strength and outcomes. Finally, stigma governance strategies under public health emergencies from three aspects of event strength, space, and time were put forward.

Impact of Social Media, Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) on the Intention to Stay at Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Considering how communities perceive the threat and risks of COVID-19, it is essential to examine how emotional regulation stimulated through intrinsic and extrinsic incentive mechanisms via social media can reinforce ‘Stay at home’ intentions. The conceptual framework was developed using the elements of the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM). A self-reported questionnaire was used to measure individuals’ intention to stay at home during the pandemic based on the perceived locus of causality as a part of self-determination theory. The empirical research was conducted on a sample of 306 USA respondents. The study results indicate that both components of the EPPM—efficacy and threat—positively affect ‘stay at home’ intentions. Moreover, a positive effect of efficacy on threats was found, as was a moderating effect of threats on the relationship between efficacy and the intention to stay at home. Meanwhile, the influence of social media exposure on threats and behavioral intentions was not significant. People are likely to stay at home as a preventive measure during COVID-19 if there is enough threats and efficacy. However, the abundance of information and opinions in social media can lead to a decreased perceived threat and might disrupt the acceptance of preventive actions.

Influential factors for COVID-19 related distancing in daily life: a distinct focus on ego-gram

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has necessitated that individuals comply with personal quarantine rules in daily life. South Korea is implementing the concept of "distancing in daily life" to raise awareness on personal quarantine measures, which is communicated through various media channels and platforms. The continued rise in COVID-19 cases demands that all individuals strictly adhere to personal quarantine rules. It is worth paying particular attention to the college student group, which has the highest percentage of confirmed cases among all age groups in South Korea. This group understands and practices "distancing in daily life" but with drastic variations among individuals. Previous studies have reported that the level of adherence to social norms is different according to each ego stated, and media exposure level is reported as a major influencing factor. Therefore, this study examined the media exposure level to COVID-19 prevention rules and its effect on the observance of distancing in daily life; it also verified the moderating effect of ego-gram on the relationship between media exposure level and distancing in daily life.

METHODS

The participants comprised Korean university students (men = 143, women = 188, N = 331) aged 18-30 years, who were recruited through an online survey. The survey was conducted over 20 days from January 27 to February 15, 2021. Data were analyzed using SAS (version 9.4) to calculate hierarchical regression.

RESULTS

First, media exposure level and distancing in daily life among Korean university students was above average. Second, media exposure level (β = .161, P < .01) was identified as the most influential factor for distancing in daily life. Third, ego-grams had a moderating effect (β = .136, P < .05) on the relationship between media exposure levels and distancing in daily life.

CONCLUSIONS

This study examined the policy implications related to the development of diverse quarantine-related programs while considering influential factors and differences in how individuals' compliance with quarantine rules were presented. Considering the situation in which new infectious diseases such as COVID-19 occur every 4-5 years, this study serves as a preparation for future pandemics and is an important framework to enhance the level of personal quarantine.

Understanding the “infodemic”: social media news use, homogeneous online discussion, self-perceived media literacy and misperceptions about COVID-19

Purpose

This study has three main purposes: (1) to investigate the association between social media news use and misperceptions about COVID-19; (2) to explore the mediating role of homogeneous online discussion; (3) and to understand whether the extent to which one perceives themselves as media-literate could moderate the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online survey and collected data through Amazon Mechanical Turk. A total of 797 participants aged 18 and above completed the survey. The average age of the respondents is 38.40 years (SD = 12.31), and 41.2% were female. In terms of party identification, 30.8% were reported leaning toward Republicans; 53.7% leaned toward Democrats, and 15.4% were reported neutral.

Findings

Results from a moderated mediation model show that social media news use is positively associated with misperceptions about the COVID-19. Moreover, homogeneous online discussion was a significant mediator of the relationship between social media news use and misperceptions about COVID-19. Further, self-perceived media literacy (SPML) significantly moderated the main and indirect effects between social media news use and COVID-19 misperceptions, such that the associations became weaker among those with higher SPML.

Originality/value

Findings provide insights into the significance of online information sources, discussion network heterogeneity and media literacy education. Although there have been many studies on misinformation, prior research has not examined these relationships, which may help provide solutions to cope with misinformation.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-06-2021-0305

Testing persuasive messaging to encourage COVID-19 risk reduction

What types of public health messages are effective at changing people's beliefs and intentions to practice social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19? We conducted two randomized experiments in summer 2020 that assigned respondents to read a public health message and then measured their beliefs and behavioral intentions across a wide variety of outcomes. Using both a convenience sample and a pre-registered replication with a nationally representative sample of Americans, we find that a message that reframes not social distancing as recklessness rather than bravery and a message that highlights the need for everyone to take action to protect one another are the most effective at increasing beliefs and intentions related to social distancing. These results provide an evidentiary basis for building effective public health campaigns to increase social distancing during flu pandemics.

A Shot in the Arm for Vaccination Intention: The Media and the Health Belief Model in Three Chinese Societies

This large-sample study of three Chinese societies-Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong-demonstrates the importance of media exposure for people's vaccination intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic. By employing two constructs (i.e., perceived susceptibility and severity) in the health belief model (HBM), the study identifies significant indirect effects of media exposure on individuals' vaccination intention in all three Chinese societies. That said, media trust negatively moderated the path from perceived severity to vaccination intention in Mainland China and Taiwan. In these two societies, the higher an individual's trust in media, the less influence of perceived severity on his/her vaccination intention. It suggests that the level of trust in media is a contextual factor in explaining individuals' decision-making on health issues. Generally, the combination of the HBM and media trust has been proven to be useful for understanding individuals' vaccination intentions. These findings provide practical considerations for governmental agencies, public institutions, and health campaign designers to promote vaccination in the pandemic.

What Is the Flag We Rally Around? Trust in Information Sources at the Outset of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Latvia

Trust in information sources about COVID-19 may influence the public attitude toward the disease and the imposed restrictions, thus determining the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in a given country. Acknowledging an increase in trust in the government or the so-called rally ‘round the flag’ effect around the world at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study explores possible determinants of this effect in Latvia, looking at such variables as the perceived disease risk, gender, age, education, income, and language spoken in the family. Presuming that risk perception may be amplified by trust in various information sources, we investigate a spill-over of the rally ‘round the flag’ effect on healthcare professionals, media, and interpersonal networks. Studying data from a nationally representative sociological survey conducted in September 2020, we confirm a positive relationship between trust in all information sources, except friends, relatives, and colleagues, and perceived disease risk. Correlations are also strong regarding trust in almost all information sources and the measured socio-demographic variables, except gender. Interpersonal trust seems to be relatively stable, and in most cases the correlations are statistically insignificant. With this study we suggest that increase in trust in government institutions as well as other information sources, even in crisis situations, does not depend on any single element, but instead presents a more complex phenomenon.

How Does Social Media Influence People to Get Vaccinated? The Elaboration Likelihood Model of a Person's Attitude and Intention to Get COVID-19 Vaccines

The global COVID-19 mass vaccination program has created a polemic amongst pro- and anti-vaccination groups on social media. However, the working mechanism on how the shared information might influence an individual decision to be vaccinated is still limited. This study embarks on adopting the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) framework. We examined the function of central route factors (information completeness and information accuracy) as well as peripheral route factors (experience sharing and social pressure) in influencing attitudes towards vaccination and the intention to obtain the vaccine. We use a factorial design to create eight different scenarios in the form of Twitter posts to test the interaction and emulate the situation on social media. In total, 528 respondents were involved in this study. Findings from this study indicated that both the central route and peripheral route significantly influence individually perceived informativeness and perceived persuasiveness. Consequently, these two factors significantly influence attitude towards vaccination and intention to obtain the vaccine. According to the findings, it is suggested that, apart from evidence-based communication, the government or any interested parties can utilize both experience sharing and social pressure elements to increase engagement related to COVID-19 vaccines on social media, such as Twitter.

Effectiveness of wireless emergency alerts for social distancing against COVID-19 in Korea

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) on social distancing policy. The Republic of Korea has been providing information to the public through WEAs using mobile phones. This study used five data sets: WEA messages, news articles including the keyword “COVID-19,” the number of confirmed COVID-19 patients, public foot traffic data, and the government’s social distancing level. The WEAs were classified into two topics—“warning” and “guidance”—using a random forest model. The results of the correlation analysis and further detailed analysis confirmed that the “warning” WEA topic and number of news articles significantly affected public foot traffic. However, the “guidance” topic was not significantly associated with public foot traffic. In general, the Korean government’s WEAs were effective at encouraging the public to follow social distance recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the “warning” WEA topic, by providing information about the relative risk directly concerning the recipients, was significantly more effective than the “guidance” topic.

Attention to News Media, Emotional Responses, and Policy Preferences about Public Health Crisis: The Case of Fine Dust Pollution in South Korea

This study examines how attention to science and political news may influence the way people feel about an environmental risk, and how this in turn impacts policy preferences. Using an online survey conducted on the issue of fine dust pollution in South Korea, this study found that science news attention was associated with greater anxiety and anger about the issue, whereas political news attention was associated with fear and sadness/depression (as well as anxiety and anger). Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that science news attention indirectly influenced support for preventive policy through anxiety, whereas political news attention indirectly influenced punitive policy support through anger and fear. Theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed.

COVID-19 Trend Analysis in Mexican States and Cities

This paper presents a trend analysis of the COVID-19 pandemics in Mexico. The studies were run in a subnational basis because they are more useful that way, providing important information about the pandemic to local authorities. Unlike classic approaches in the literature, the trend analysis presented here is not based on the variations in the number of infections along time, but rather on the predicted value of the final number of infections, which is updated every day employing new data. Results for four states and four cities, selected among the most populated in Mexico, are presented. The model was able to suitably fit the local data for the selected regions under evaluation. Moreover, the trend analysis enabled one to assess the accuracy of the forecasts.

Let's (not) get together! The role of social norms on social distancing during COVID-19

While effective preventive measures against COVID-19 are now widely known, many individuals fail to adopt them. This article provides experimental evidence about one potentially important driver of compliance with social distancing: social norms. We asked each of 23,000 survey respondents in Mexico to predict how a fictional person would behave when faced with the choice about whether or not to attend a friend's birthday gathering. Every respondent was randomly assigned to one of four social norms conditions. Expecting that other people would attend the gathering and/or believing that other people approved of attending the gathering both increased the predicted probability that the fictional character would attend the gathering by 25%, in comparison with a scenario where other people were not expected to attend nor to approve of attending. Our results speak to the potential effects of communication campaigns and media coverage of compliance with, and normative views about, COVID-19 preventive measures. They also suggest that policies aimed at modifying social norms or making existing ones salient could impact compliance.