Misinformation more likely to use non-specific authority references: Twitter analysis of two COVID-19 myths

Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review

Maxim Baryshevtsev¹  Joseph McGlynn²  Zane A. Dayton³ 

[1] Department of Communication Studies, The University of Texas at Austin, USA;Department of Communication Studies, University of North Texas, USA;Department of Communication, University of Kentucky, USA;

关键词: covid-19;    debunking;    social media;    twitter;   

DOI  :  10.37016/mr-2020-37

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

This research examines the content, timing, and spread of COVID-19 misinformation and subsequent debunking efforts for two COVID-19 myths. COVID-19 misinformation tweets included more non-specific authority references (e.g., “Taiwanese experts”, “a doctor friend”), while debunking tweets included more specific and verifiable authority references (e.g., the CDC, the World Health Organization, Snopes). Findings illustrate a delayed debunking response to COVID-19 misinformation, as it took seven days for debunking tweets to match the quantity of misinformation tweets. The use of non-specific authority references in tweets was associated with decreased tweet engagement, suggesting the importance of citing specific sources when refuting health misinformation.

【 授权许可】

Unknown