Principles of Forming a Strategy for Reducing the Psychological Tension of Social Network Users

Aims: The purpose of the study was to develop principles of a strategy for influencing the psychological state of social network users using the example of the Russian-language segment of Twitter, one of the reasons for which is the lack of awareness about aspects of the coronavirus infection. Background(s): In contrast to the existing works on mood management and Emotion Regulation Strategies, there are principles based not on emotional regulation (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression), but on information processing of the content of social media messages and forums. Objective(s): The objective of the study was to develop principles of a strategy for reducing the psychological tension of social network users (further - Strategy) based on the Russian-language segment of Twitter. Method(s): The proposed research methodology includes a study of the discussion field in the active forum of the Runet (the qualitative aspect of emotionality as a reflection of psychological tension) and the Russian-language segment of Twitter (the quantitative aspect of terminology frequency). The qualitative research consisted in isolating the sensitive words used by vaccine opponents to describe their beliefs. A multi-stage methodology has been developed for the meaningful analysis of Twitter users' messages. Result(s):. The result of the study is a methodology for developing principles of the Strategy. Based on this methodology, the following aspects of the problem have been developed: 1) the principle of clarifying the definition of psychological tension;2) the principle of comparing the user and scientific meanings of terms, taking into account the contexts of their use;3) the principle of contextual comparison of the user's and scientific meanings of the term;4) the principle of visual popularization of scientific knowledge. Conclusion(s): An original methodology was created for developing principles of the Strategy. In contrast to the existing works on mood management and Emotion Regulation Strategies, there are principles based not on emotional regulation (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression [1]), but on information processing of the content of social media messages and forums. Other: A new approach to reducing the psychological tension of social media users can contribute to sharing timely, accurate and positive information about COVID-19, and reduce excessive discussions about COVID-19, which can positively affect the psychological well-being of the general public. Copyright © 2022 Khakimova et al.

A comparative analysis of anti-vax discourse on twitter before and after COVID-19 onset.

This study aimed to identify and assess the prevalence of vaccine-hesitancy-related topics on Twitter in the periods before and after the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Using a search query, 272,780 tweets associated with anti-vaccine topics and posted between 1 January 2011, and 15 January 2021, were collected. The tweets were classified into a list of 11 topics and analyzed for trends during the periods before and after the onset of COVID-19. Since the beginning of COVID-19, the percentage of anti-vaccine tweets has increased for two topics, "government and politics" and "conspiracy theories," and decreased for "developmental disabilities." Compared to tweets regarding flu and measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines, those concerning COVID-19 vaccines showed larger percentages for the topics of conspiracy theories and alternative treatments, and a lower percentage for developmental disabilities. The results support existing anti-vaccine literature and the assertion that anti-vaccine sentiments are an important public-health issue.

Information Flows of Vaccination Opponents: Specifics of the Scale, Repertoire and Content of the "Anti-Vax " Movement in the Russian Segment of Social Media

This article presents the results of an applied study of information flows representing the activities of vaccination opponents in the Russian segment of the new media. Based on a combination of modern methods and tools of social media predictive analytics, the authors conclude that a full-fledged network movement of "anti-vaxxers" was formed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia. The authors formulate the main motivations for the digital activity of anti-vaccination opponents, describe the scale and nature of the new network movement, and determine the dominant structure and management models of anti-vaxx networks. The results of the study highlight the key risks of the development of information flows of the Russian anti-vaccinationists and substantiate the need to effectively counter the movement through the formation of a constructive media agenda.

State vs. anti-vaxxers: Analysis of Covid-19 echo chambers in Serbia

Times of uncertainty and fear were brought on by Covid-19. The ongoing pandemic is a fruitful ground for fake news, as citizens try to find explanations that fit into their worldviews. This process polarizes society and creates echo chambers amplified by recommender systems. Our main goal is to detect anti-vaxxer echo chambers in Serbia by analyzing online reactions to the recent detention of prominent anti-vaxxer Dr. Jovana Stojkovic. A content analysis of online comments is deployed in anti-regime left-leaning, anti-regime right-leaning, and pro-government media to explore attitudes towards a vaccination conspiracy theory, police action towards anti-vaxxers, and the government crisis response team. We clearly identify the anti-vaccine echo chamber among commentators of anti-regime right-leaning media (YouTube podcasts). Additionally, we describe attitudes expressed around issues related to vaccination. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.