Public responses to COVID-19 mask mandates: examining pro and anti-Mask anger in tweets before and after state-level mandates

ABSTRACT

Governmental mandates requiring mask wearing in public spaces to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus have been controversial in the United States. We test theory related to anger and anger expression in the context of posts about masks appearing on Twitter during a 12-week period in which mask mandates were adopted in 18 states. The results were consistent with an appraisal of mandates as providing protection from harm. Pro-mask anger directed at others for not wearing masks increased following the imposition of mandates among tweets originating from states with a mandate. In states without a mandate, pro-mask anger similarly increased over time as additional state mandates were adopted across the country. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Communication Monographs is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)