Social Media Use and Covid-19 Risk Perception among Nigerians: The Roles of Affects, Gender and Information Sources

Q1 Arts and Humanities

Media Watch Pub Date : 2021-05-01 DOI:10.15655/mw_2021_v12i2_160154

J. A. Erubami, Paul Bebenimibo, J. Ugwuoke

引用次数: 7

Abstract

Social media technologies have become significant sources of public health information, especially in times of infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19. Using online survey data collected from social media users in Nigeria, this study investigates the influence of social media exposure for COVID-19 risk information on risk perception and affective responses towards the outbreak of COVID-19. It also explores gender and information sources’ roles in the construction of perceived risk towards the pandemic. Findings showed that social media exposure tends to significantly influence risk perception, fear, and anger towards COVID-19, which varies across gender. However, social media’s COVID-19 information sources are not significant predictors of public risk perception and affective responses towards COVID-19. Therefore, public health stakeholders should ensure correct health information to reduce panic and increase volitional control in public during risky situations.

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尼日利亚人对社交媒体的使用和新冠肺炎风险认知：影响、性别和信息来源的作用

社交媒体技术已成为公共卫生信息的重要来源，特别是在COVID-19等传染病暴发时期。本研究利用从尼日利亚社交媒体用户收集的在线调查数据，调查了社交媒体曝光COVID-19风险信息对COVID-19爆发的风险认知和情感反应的影响。它还探讨了性别和信息来源在构建对大流行病的感知风险方面的作用。调查结果显示，社交媒体曝光往往会显著影响对COVID-19的风险认知、恐惧和愤怒，这在性别上有所不同。然而，社交媒体的COVID-19信息来源并不能显著预测公众对COVID-19的风险认知和情感反应。因此，公共卫生利益相关者应确保正确的健康信息，以减少恐慌，增加公众在危险情况下的意志控制。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Media Watch Arts and Humanities-Literature and Literary Theory

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期刊介绍： Journal of Media Watch is a double blind peer-reviewed tri-annual journal published from India. It is the only journal in the discipline from Asia and India listed in many leading indexing platforms. The journal keeps high quality peer evaluation and academic standards in all levels of its publication. Journal of Media Watch reflects empirical and fundamental research, theoretical articulations, alternative critical thinking, diverse knowledge spectrum, cognizant technologies, scientific postulates, alternative social synergies, exploratory documentations, visual enquiries, narrative argumentations, innovative interventions, and minority inclusiveness in its content and selection. The journal aims at publishing and documenting research publication in the field of communication and media studies that covers a wide range of topics and sub-fields like print media, television, radio, film, public relations, advertising, journalism and social media and the cultural impact and activation of these media in the society. It aims at providing a platform for the scholars to present their research to an international academic community with wide access and reach. Published topics in Media Watch enjoy very high impact and major citation. The journal is supported by strong international editorial advisory support from leading academicians in the world.