Trust in social media and COVID-19 beliefs and behaviours

The study investigates the relationship between trust in social media and beliefs and preventive behaviours in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed 1008 respondents in South Africa to study how trust in social media relative to other information sources predicts perceived risk and adoption of preventive behaviours. Although engagement with and trust in social media do not predict less adoption of preventive behaviours, trusting information from social media more than information from mass media or scientists is associated with less risk perception from COVID-19 and reduces the adoption of preventive behaviours (including vaccines).

Automated summary

This study examines the association between trust in social media and beliefs and preventive behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey of 1008 respondents in South Africa reveals that trusting information from social media more than other sources is linked to reduced risk perception and adoption of preventive behaviors, including vaccination.