WeChat users’ debunking strategies in response to COVID-19 conspiracy theories: A mixed-methods study

ABSTRACT

The current study adopted a mixed-methods approach to examine both qualitative and quantitative data of Chinese WeChat users? strategies in response to COVID-19 conspiracy theories disseminated in WeChat. Thematic analysis based on 30 interviewees suggested interesting patterns about how such conspiracy theories were disseminated based on relationship types within WeChat groups and how different types of debunking strategies were used to counter conspiracy theories based on the relational outcomes and contexts. Quantitative data based on 588 participants suggested COVID-19 information exposures from different sources, conspiracy beliefs, exposures of conspiracy beliefs and face concerns influence WeChat users? responses to address COVID-19-related information in WeChat platform.