Dissemination in social media and blogs of public health information and misinformation on Covid-19 containment in Switzerland
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Author (Corporation)
Publication date
2024
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Type
01A - Journal article
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Parent work
European Journal of Health Communication
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DOI of the original publication
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Volume
5
Issue / Number
3
Pages / Duration
59-84
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Publisher / Publishing institution
Universität Zürich
Place of publication / Event location
Zürich
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Abstract
Future epidemics are perceived as inevitable. Dissemination of information can enhance awareness, serving as an initial stride towards fostering desired epidemic-controlling actions among the public. In this study, a qualitative content analysis of Covid-19- and Switzerland-related social media and blog contributions points at a limited adoption of public health key messages and a negative reputation of the informing authorities. The authorities are to a marginal extent the source of information and a controversial sentiment towards vaccination emerges. In addition, we find a large share of disseminated information that is not conducive to pandemic containment. Within this, a substantial volume of misinformation emerges in statements on Covid-19-related issues. The misinformation consists primarily of unsubstantiated health consequences of the Covid-19 vaccination (both efficacy and side effects), and, less often, of trivialisation or denial of the pandemic. Furthermore, in a phase of political campaigning on a Covid-law referendum in Switzerland, social media contributors often portray pandemic containment as an undue, unlawful, or autocratic imposition on individual and collective freedom, and as a tool deployed for political repression. In addition, the pandemic or its containment are embedded in various conspiracies by users and containment measures are contested with religious, naturopathic or esoteric arguments.
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ISBN
ISSN
2673-5903
Language
English
Created during FHNW affiliation
Yes
Strategic action fields FHNW
Publication status
Published
Review
Peer review of the complete publication
Open access category
Diamond
License
Citation
Verhoeven, M., Zachlod, C., Hugentobler, L., Datta, S., & Schibli, O. (2024). Dissemination in social media and blogs of public health information and misinformation on Covid-19 containment in Switzerland. European Journal of Health Communication, 5(3), 59–84. https://doi.org/10.47368/ejhc.2024.304