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Does the platform matter? Social media and COVID-19 conspiracy theory beliefs in 17 countries.

Authors :
Theocharis, Yannis
Cardenal, Ana
Jin, Soyeon
Aalberg, Toril
Hopmann, David Nicolas
Strömbäck, Jesper
Castro, Laia
Esser, Frank
Van Aelst, Peter
de Vreese, Claes
Corbu, Nicoleta
Koc-Michalska, Karolina
Matthes, Joerg
Schemer, Christian
Sheafer, Tamir
Splendore, Sergio
Stanyer, James
Stępińska, Agnieszka
Štětka, Václav
Source :
New Media & Society; Dec2023, Vol. 25 Issue 12, p3412-3437, 26p
Publication Year :
2023

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14614448
Volume :
25
Issue :
12
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
New Media & Society
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
173048321
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448211045666