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Localizing COVID-19 Misinformation: A Case Study of Tracking Twitter Pandemic Narratives in Pennsylvania Using Computational Network Science.

Authors :
Alieva, Iuliia
Robertson, Dawn
Carley, Kathleen M
Source :
Journal of Health Communication. 2023Suppl1, Vol. 28, p76-85. 10p. 2 Diagrams, 6 Charts, 4 Graphs.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

The recent COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the importance of effective communication strategies to control the spread of the virus and debunk misinformation. By using accurate narratives, both online and offline, we can motivate communities to follow preventive measures and shape attitudes toward them. However, the abundance of misinformation stories can lead to vaccine hesitancy, obstructing the timely implementation of preventive measures, such as vaccination. Therefore, it is crucial to create appropriate and community-centered solutions based on regional data analysis to address mis/disinformation narratives and implement effective countermeasures specific to the particular geographic area. In this case study, we have attempted to create a research pipeline to analyze local narratives on social media, particularly Twitter, to identify misinformation spread locally, using the state of Pennsylvania as an example. Our proposed methodology pipeline identifies main communication trends and misinformation stories for the major cities and counties in southwestern PA, aiming to assist local health officials and public health specialists in instantly addressing pandemic communication issues, including misinformation narratives. Additionally, we investigated anti-vax actors' strategies in promoting harmful narratives. Our pipeline includes data collection, Twitter influencer analysis, Louvain clustering, BEND maneuver analysis, bot identification, and vaccine stance detection. Public health organizations and community-centered entities can implement this data-driven approach to health communication to inform their pandemic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10810730
Volume :
28
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Health Communication
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
164680003
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2023.2217102