The Role of "Online News Media" and "Social Media" in Prevention in Infodemic Times from a Social Capital Perspective: A Study of the Quidd-19 Epidemic

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Bahram Nikbakhsh
Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22054/nms.2023.69277.1435
Abstract
In the current research, citizens' understanding of the desirability of "online news media" and "social media" on preventive measures by the citizens of Khuzestan province has been investigated. Because, the dissemination of false information during the epidemic of the Covid-19 disease, as a prominent social concern, and the lack of dissemination of correct information, is one of the main concerns and aggravates the confusion in the society. In this regard, it is very important to understand the desirability of citizens from mass media in providing reliable information and creating motivation for more participation of people in complying with preventive measures announced by the government. In this context, the role of trust between citizens and the government was examined and paid attention to from the perspective of social capital. Based on this, the current research investigated the desirability of citizens' perception of "online news media" and "social media" during the Covid-19 pandemic and answered the following research questions;

1) Does the perceived usefulness of the media help to increase trust between citizens and the government?

2) Does trust in the citizens and the government contribute to preventive measures against the disease of Kovid-19?

3) Is the perceived usefulness of "online news media" and "social media" different among citizens?

The data used in this research was collected in the form of a survey from the citizens of Khuzestan province in 1401. Therefore, the sampling process of the research was such that the data related to the statistical population of people over 20 years old living in Khuzestan province was considered, which showed their perceived desirability of online news media and social media from the perspective of social capital. The analysis unit of this research was conducted in a comparative manner and among the citizens of 20 years and older at the individual level, and the necessary information was collected in this regard. Also, the research was conducted with 384 people in 6 cities with more than 100,000 people in Khuzestan province (Ahvaz, Abadan, Dezful, Mahshahr, Dasht Azadegan and Andimshek), to measure the variables using the Georgian and Morgan sampling method and the pure and final observations of the research, with Entering data related to these variables was analyzed. The current research has evaluated structural equations based on spss24 and pls-smart3 software.

Using SPSS-PLS SMART3 software, research hypotheses were analyzed in the form of structural equations. In this regard, it can be said that the path analysis showed the indirect effects of the online news network on preventive measures equal to -438.49. It should be noted that this indirect relationship was due to the variables of trust in citizens (2.907) and trust in the government (26.582). Also, the indirect effect of social media on preventive action was equal to 45.27, and this indirect relationship was due to the variables of trust in citizens (-1.842) and trust in the government (-30.835). In the second step, these two variables have directly influenced preventive measures (values 3.657 and 26.582, respectively). Therefore, it can be said that the concept of social capital has played an important role in building trust between citizens and statesmen to understand the usefulness of the media for the dissemination of preventive information about the covid-19 disease. "Online news media" indirectly affects the "preventive measures" of the Covid-19 disease, and the first hypothesis is confirmed. Also, "online news media" have a positive and significant effect on "citizen trust", so hypotheses 3-1 and 3-2 are also confirmed. In addition, "online news media" has a positive effect on "trust in the government", so hypothesis 2-3 is confirmed, but hypothesis 2-4 is not confirmed. The variables "trust in citizens" and "online news media" have a positive and significant effect on "preventive measures" from the disease of Covid-19, therefore, the fifth hypothesis is confirmed. But the sixth hypothesis about "trust in the government" and its effect on "preventive measures" is not confirmed. In addition, since "social media" does not have a significant effect on "trust in citizens" and "trust in the government", it turns out that "social media" has an effect on "preventive actions" through "trust in citizens". " do not have any direct effect, but "online news media" indirectly affect the preventive measures of the Covid-19 disease through "citizen's trust" and "government's trust
Keywords
covid-19
infodemic
online news media
social media and social trust
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New Media Studies
Volume 9, Issue 36
Autumn 2023
Pages 140-107