Effects of social media empowerment on COVID-19 preventive behaviors in China
Information Technology and People
; 2023.
Article
in English
| Scopus | ID: covidwho-2269796
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, ubiquitous social media has become a primary channel for information dissemination, social interactions and recreational activities. However, it remains unclear how social media usage influences nonpharmaceutical preventive behavior of individuals in response to the pandemic. This paper aims to explore the impacts of social media on COVID-19 preventive behaviors based on the theoretical lens of empowerment. Design/methodology/approach:
In this paper, survey data has been collected from 739 social media users in China to conduct structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis.Findings:
The results indicate that social media empowers individuals in terms of knowledge seeking, knowledge sharing, socializing and entertainment to promote preventive behaviors at the individual level by increasing each person's perception of collective efficacy and social cohesion. Meanwhile, social cohesion negatively impacts the relationship between collective efficacy and individual preventive behavior. Originality/value This study provides insights regarding the role of social media in crisis response and examines the role of collective beliefs in the influencing mechanism of social media. The results presented herein can be used to guide government agencies seeking to control the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
Scopus
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
Language:
English
Journal:
Information Technology and People
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
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