Does the platform matter? Social media and COVID-19 conspiracy theory beliefs in 17 countries
Articolo
Data di Pubblicazione:
2021
Citazione:
Does the platform matter? Social media and COVID-19 conspiracy theory beliefs in 17 countries / Y. Theocharis, A. Cardenal, S. Jin, T. Aalberg, D.N. Hopmann, J. Strömbäck, L. Castro, F. Esser, P. Van Aelst, C. de Vreese, N. Corbu, K. Koc-Michalska, J. Matthes, C. Schemer, T. Sheafer, S. Splendore, J. Stanyer, A. Stępińska, V. Štětka. - In: NEW MEDIA & SOCIETY. - ISSN 1461-4448. - (2021). [Epub ahead of print] [10.1177/14614448211045666]
Abstract:
While the role of social media in the spread of conspiracy theories has received much
attention, a key deficit in previous research is the lack of distinction between different
types of platforms. This study places the role of social media affordances in facilitating
the spread of conspiracy beliefs at the center of its enquiry. We examine the relationship
between platform use and conspiracy theory beliefs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Relying on the concept of technological affordances, we theorize that variation across
key features make some platforms more fertile places for conspiracy beliefs than others.
Using data from a crossnational dataset based on a two-wave online survey conducted
in 17 countries before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we show that
Twitter has a negative effect on conspiracy beliefs—as opposed to all other platforms
under examination which are found to have a positive effect.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
Affordances, conspiracy theories, COVID-19, misperceptions, social media
Elenco autori:
Y. Theocharis, A. Cardenal, S. Jin, T. Aalberg, D.N. Hopmann, J. Strömbäck, L. Castro, F. Esser, P. Van Aelst, C. de Vreese, N. Corbu, K. Koc-Michalska, J. Matthes, C. Schemer, T. Sheafer, S. Splendore, J. Stanyer, A. Stępińska, V. Štětka
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