Social media platforms have a moral duty to ban misinformation about vaccines: Two leading thinkers on vaccine hesitancy and misinformation debate this crucial question

Almost half of the world population has received at least one dose of vaccine against the COVID-19 virus. However, vaccine hesitancy amongst certain populations is driving new waves of infections at alarming rates. The popularity of online social media platforms attracts supporters of the anti-vaccination movement who spread misinformation about vaccine safety and effectiveness. We conducted a semantic network analysis to explore and analyze COVID-19 vaccine misinformation on the Reddit social media platform.

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COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy, misinformation and conspiracy theories on social media: A content analysis of Twitter data

10.31235/osf.io/vc9jb ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tasmiah Nuzhath ◽

Samia Tasnim ◽

Rahul Kumar Sanjwal ◽

Nusrat Fahmida Trisha ◽

Mariya Rahman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Large Scale ◽

Latent Dirichlet Allocation ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Preventive Strategy ◽

Conspiracy Theories ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Communication Plan ◽

Twitter Data ◽

Social Media Platforms

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a significant burden of mortality and morbidity. A vaccine will be the most effective global preventive strategy to end the pandemic. Studies have maintained that exposure to negative sentiments related to vaccination on social media increase vaccine hesitancy and refusal. Despite the influence social media has on vaccination behavior, there is a lack of studies exploring the public's exposure to misinformation, conspiracy theories, and concerns on Twitter regarding a potential COVID-19 vaccination. Objective: The study aims to identify the major thematic areas about a potential COVID-19 vaccination based on the contents of Twitter data. Method: We retrieved 1,286,659 publicly available tweets posted within the timeline of July 19, 2020, to August 19, 2020, leveraging the Twint package. Following the extraction, we used Latent Dirichlet Allocation for topic modelling and identified 20 topics discussed in the tweets. We selected 4,868 tweets with the highest probability of belonging in the specific cluster and manually labeled as positive, negative, neutral, or irrelevant. The negative tweets were further assigned to a theme and subtheme based on the contentResult: The negative tweets were further categorized into 7 major themes: "safety and effectiveness,” "misinformation,” "conspiracy theories,” "mistrust of scientists and governments,” "lack of intent to get a COVID-19 vaccine,” "freedom of choice," and "religious beliefs. Negative tweets predominantly consisted of misleading statements (n=424) that immunization against coronavirus is unnecessary as the survival rate is high. The second most prevalent theme to emerge was tweets constituting safety and effectiveness related concerns (n=276) regarding the side effects of a potential vaccine developed at an unprecedented speed. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a need to formulate a large-scale vaccine communication plan that will address the safety concerns and debunk the misinformation and conspiracy theories spreading across social media platforms, increasing the public's acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccination.

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Training university students as vaccination champions to promote vaccination in their multiple identities and help address vaccine hesitancy

Pharmacy Education ◽

10.46542/pe.2021.211.407419 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 407-419

Author(s):

Nusayba Ali ◽

Diane Ashiru-Oredope ◽

Sudaxshina Murdan

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

University Students ◽

Pilot Project ◽

Undergraduate Curriculum ◽

Multiple Identities ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Questionnaire Result ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

The Impact ◽

To Receive

Introduction: Covid-19 related vaccine hesitancy is a major problem worldwide and it risks delaying the global effort to control the pandemic. Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy is also higher in certain communities. Given that prescriber recommendation and community engagement are two effective ways of addressing vaccine hesitancy, training university students to become vaccination champions could be a way of addressing hesitancy, as the champions engage with their communities in their multiple identities. Aim: This study aims to assess the impact of a pilot project conducted in the UCL School of Pharmacy that could pave a way of integrating vaccination championing in the pharmacy undergraduate curriculum to address vaccine hesitancy. Method: Participants completed a pre-workshop questionnaire, attended an online workshop, conducted vaccination-promoting action/s, and provided evidence via a post-workshop questionnaire. Result: Fifty three students completed the course. The students’ vaccination-promoting actions ranged from speaking with vaccine-hesitant family, friends and customers in the pharmacy, to posting on various social media platforms. Post-workshop showed an increase in the knowledge of participants regarding vaccination and a decrease in the belief of vaccine misconceptions. After attending the workshop, participants were more likely to engage with vaccine-hesitant friends, family, strangers and patients. They were also more likely to receive the Covid-19 vaccine for them and for their children.

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Vaccine-Related Content, Dynamics, and Conspiracy Theories in External Links Shared in Twitter COVID-19 Conversations: A Computational Analysis (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.29127 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Iain Cruickshank ◽

Tamar Ginossar ◽

Jason Sulskis ◽

Elena Zheleva ◽

Tanya Berger-Wolf

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Latent Dirichlet Allocation ◽

Topic Model ◽

Communication Strategy ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Traditional Media ◽

Conspiracy Theories ◽

Wide Range ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

Youtube Videos

BACKGROUND The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent “infodemic” that ensued highlighted the role that social media play in increasing vaccine hesitancy. Despite the efforts to curtail the spread of misinformation, the anti-vaccination movement continues to use Twitter and other social media platforms to advance its messages. Although users typically engage with different social media platforms, research on vaccination discourse typically focused on single platforms. Understanding the content and dynamics of external content shared on vaccine-related conversations on Twitter during the COVID-19 pandemic can shed light on the use of different sources, including traditional media and social media by the anti-vaccination movement. In particular, examining how YouTube videos are shared within vaccination-related tweets is important in understanding the spread of anti-vaccination narratives. OBJECTIVE informed by agenda-setting theory, this study aimed to use machine-learning to understand the content and dynamics of external websites shared in vaccines-related tweets posted in COVID-19 conversations on Twitter. METHODS We screened around 5 million tweets posted to COVID-19 related conversations to include tweets that discussed vaccination. We then identified external content, including the most tweeted web domains and URLs within these tweets and the number of days they were shared. The topics and dynamics of tweeted YouTube videos were further analyzed by using Latent Dirichlet Allocation to topic-model the transcripts of the YouTube videos, and by independent coders. RESULTS of 841,896 vaccination-related tweets identified, 128,408 (22.1%) included external content. A wide range of external websites were shared. The 20 most tweeted websites constituted 10.9% of the shared websites and were typically shared for only 2-3 days within a one-month period. Traditional media constituted the majority of these 20 most tweeted URLs. Content of YouTube links shared had both the greatest number of unique URLs for any given URL domain and was the most tweeted domain over time. The majority (n=15) of the 20 most tweeted videos opposed vaccinations and featured conspiracy theories. Analysis of the transcripts of 1,280 YouTube videos shared indicated high frequency of conspiracy theories. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals that sharing URLs over Twitter is a common communication strategy. Whereas shared URLs overall demonstrated a strong presence of legacy media organizations, YouTube videos were used to spread anti-vaccination messages. Produced by individuals or by foreign governments, these videos emerged as a major driver for sharing vaccine-related conspiracy theories. Future interventions should take into account cross-platform use to counteract this misinformation.

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Social Media Sharing of Articles About Measles in a European Context: Text Analysis Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.30150 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Dominik Wawrzuta ◽

Mariusz Jaworski ◽

Joanna Gotlib ◽

Mariusz Panczyk

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Latent Dirichlet Allocation ◽

Scientific Information ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Effective Vaccine ◽

Data Set ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Nature Of Information ◽

Social Media Platforms

BACKGROUND Despite the existence of an effective vaccine, measles still threatens the health and lives of many Europeans. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, measles vaccine uptake declined; as a result, after the pandemic, European countries will have to increase vaccination rates to restore the extent of vaccination coverage among the population. Because information obtained from social media are one of the main causes of vaccine hesitancy, knowledge of the nature of information pertaining to measles that is shared on social media may help create educational campaigns. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aim to define the characteristics of European news about measles shared on social media platforms (ie, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest) from 2017 to 2019. METHODS We downloaded and translated (into English) 10,305 articles on measles published in European Union countries. Using latent Dirichlet allocation, we identified main topics and estimated the sentiments expressed in these articles. Furthermore, we used linear regression to determine factors related to the number of times a given article was shared on social media. RESULTS We found that, in most European social media posts, measles is only discussed in the context of local European events. Articles containing educational information and describing world outbreaks appeared less frequently. The most common emotions identified from the study’s news data set were fear and trust. Yet, it was found that readers were more likely to share information on educational topics and the situation in Germany, Ukraine, Italy, and Samoa. A high amount of anger, joy, and sadness expressed within the text was also associated with a higher number of shares. CONCLUSIONS We identified which features of news articles were related to increased social media shares. We found that social media users prefer sharing educational news to sharing informational news. Appropriate emotional content can also increase the willingness of social media users to share an article. Effective media content that promotes measles vaccinations should contain educational or scientific information, as well as specific emotions (such as anger, joy, or sadness). Articles with this type of content may offer the best chance of disseminating vital messages to a broad social media audience.

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Addressing the root of vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic

XRDS Crossroads The ACM Magazine for Students ◽

10.1145/3495259 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 34-38

Author(s):

Kolina Koltai ◽

Rachel E. Moran ◽

Izzi Grasso

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Social Media Platforms

As pressure continues to mount on social media platforms to address the spread of vaccine misinformation, we aim to look at solutions to the rise in vaccine hesitancy. But to truly address vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, we need to address the underlying issues with trust in large institutions and inequity in healthcare.

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The Erosion of Public Trust and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines— More Action is Needed

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa657 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ari Nahum ◽

Dimitri M Drekonja ◽

Jonathan D Alpern

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Disease Control ◽

Health Systems ◽

Drug Administration ◽

Food And Drug Administration ◽

Public Trust ◽

Regulatory Process ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

Centers For Disease Control

Abstract As states and health systems prepare to deliver SARS-CoV-2 vaccines to the American public, a confluence of factors has the potential to interfere with these efforts: Misinformation about COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy, and the erosion of the American public’s trust in the vaccine regulatory process due to recent and ongoing events. Broad action is needed to address these issues, including improved and consistent communication by the Food and Drug Administration, restoration of the Centers for Disease Control as an independent and science-driven institution, and more aggressive policies to counteract misinformation, particularly on social media platforms.

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MOBILE SOCIAL MEDIA

International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Software Engineering ◽

10.23956/ijarcsse.v8i3.558 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 8

Author(s):

PHILIP ADEBO

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Social Revolution ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

The Way

The emergence of mobile connectivity is revolutionizing the way people live, work, interact, and socialize. Mobile social media is the heart of this social revolution. It is becoming a global phenomenon as it enables IP-connectivity for people on the move. Popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace have made mobile apps for their users to have instant access from anywhere at any time. This paper provides a brief introduction into mobile social media, their benefits, and challenges.

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Representasi Feminisme dalam Video Klip ‘Nightmare’ oleh Halsey

Koneksi ◽

10.24912/kn.v4i2.8170 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 338

Author(s):

Faiz Zulia Maharany ◽

Ahmad Junaidi

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Research ◽

Social Media ◽

Data Collection ◽

Mass Communication ◽

Video Clip ◽

Charles Sanders Peirce ◽

Patriarchal Culture ◽

The Social ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

Barrier Wall

'Nightmare' is the title of a video clip belonging to a singer and singer called Halsey, in which the video clip is explained about the figure of women who struggle against patriarchal culture which has been a barrier wall for women to get their rights, welfare and the equality needed they get. This research uses descriptive qualitative research methods. Data collection techniques are done through documentation, observation and study of literature. Then, analyzed using Charles Sanders Peirce's semiotics technique. The results of this study show the fact that signs, symbols or messages representing feminism in the video, 'Nightmare' clips are presented through scenes that present women's actions in opposing domination over men and sarcastic sentences contained in the lyrics of the song to discuss with patriarchy. Youtube as one of the social media platforms where the 'Nightmare' video clip is uploaded is very effective for mass communication and for conveying the message contained in the video clip to the viewing public.‘Nightmare’ adalah judul video klip milik musisi sekaligus penyanyi yang bernama Halsey, dimana pada Video klipnya tersebut menceritakan tentang figur perempuan-perempuan yang berusaha melawan budaya patriarki yang selama ini telah menjadi dinding penghalang bagi perempuan untuk mendapatkan hak-haknya, keadilan dan kesetaraan yang seharusnya mereka dapatkan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif deskriptif. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui dokumentasi, observasi dan studi kepustakaan. Kemudian, dianalisis menggunakan teknik semiotika milik Charles Sanders Peirce. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa terdapat tanda-tanda, simbol atau pesan yang merepresentasikan feminisme di dalam video klip ‘Nightmare’ yang dihadirkan melalui adegan-adegan yang menyajikan aksi perempuan dalam menolak dominasi atas laki-laki dan kalimat-kalimat sarkas yang terkandung dalam lirik lagunya untuk ditujukan kepada patriarki. Youtube sebagai salah satu platform media sosial dimana video klip ‘Nightmare’ diunggah sangat efektif untuk melakukan komunikasi massa dan untuk menyampaikan pesan yang terkandung di dalam video klip tersebut kepada masyarakat yang menonton.

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Kim Kardashian: the Leader of the Influencers

10.31227/osf.io/p6d4v ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Laila Fariha Zein ◽

Adib Rifqi Setiawan

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

The United States ◽

Armenian Genocide ◽

The Public ◽

Self Defense ◽

Global Commerce ◽

The World ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

International Issues ◽

Global Influence

In today’s world, it is easier and easier to stay connected with people who are halfway across the world. Social media and a globalizing economy have created new methods of business, trade and socialization resulting in vast amounts of communication and effecting global commerce. Like her or hate her, Kimberly Noel Kardashian West as known as Kim Kardashian has capitalized on social media platforms and the globalizing economy. Kim is known for two things: famous for doing nothing and infamous for a sex tape. But Kim has not let those things define her. With over 105 million Instagram followers and 57 million Twitter followers, Kim has become a major global influence. Kim has travelled around the world, utilizing the success she has had on social media to teach make-up master classes with professional make-up artist, Mario Dedivanovic. She owns or has licensed several different businesses including: an emoji app, a personal app, a gaming app, a cosmetics line, and a fragrance line. Not to be forgotten, the Kardashian family show, ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ has been on the air for ten years with Kim at the forefront. Kim also has three books: ‘Kardashian Konfidential’, ‘Dollhouse’, and ‘Selfish’. With her rising social media following, Kim has used the platforms to show her support for politicians and causes, particularly, recognition of the Armenian genocide. Kim also recently spoke at the Forbes’ women’s summit. Following the summit, Kim tweeted out her support for a recent movement on Twitter, #freeCyntoiaBrown which advocated for a young woman who claimed to have shot and killed the man who held her captive as a teenage sex slave in self-defense. Kim had her own personal lawyers help out Cyntoia on her case. Kim has also moved beyond advocating for issues within the confines of the United States. As mentioned earlier, she is known for advocating for recognition of the Armenian genocide. In the last two years, her show has made it a point to address the Armenian situation as it was then and as it is now. Kim has been recognized as a global influencer by others across the wordl. We believe Kim has become the same as political leaders when it comes to influencing the public. Kim’s story reveals that the new reality creates a perfect opportunity for mass disturbances or for initiating mass support or mass disapproval. Although Kim is typically viewed for her significance to pop culture, Kim’s business and social media following have placed her deep into the mix of international commerce. As her businesses continue to grow and thrive, we may see more of her influence on international issues and an increase in the commerce from which her businesses benefit.

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