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Trust in government, social media and willingness to vaccinate

Author

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  • Nicholls, Nicky
  • Pleace, Michelle
  • Yitbarek, Eleni

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy is considered one of the biggest global health threats. The prevalence of false information about vaccines on social media amplifies this challenge, making it more urgent. This study examines the relationship between social media use, trust in information sources, beliefs about vaccination rates, and willingness to adopt vaccines using data gathered in late 2023 from 975 respondents in South Africa. Our results suggest that people who rely on social media as their primary news source are more hesitant to get vaccinated for themselves and their children. Trust, which includes various sources including confidence in the government, is positively linked to vaccination decisions. Trust is especially important when it comes to less traditional vaccines such as COVID-19 and flu vaccines for both adults and children. We also note gender differences, with South African men showing more reluctance to get vaccinated as adults. Additionally, there is a negative correlation between social media use and the willingness of males to get vaccinated, but this relationship is not evident among females. Our research highlights the need for targeted interventions aimed at improving vaccine uptake, taking into account the links with information sources about vaccination and government trust.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicholls, Nicky & Pleace, Michelle & Yitbarek, Eleni, 2024. "Trust in government, social media and willingness to vaccinate," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 360(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:360:y:2024:i:c:s0277953624007561
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117302
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Gianluca Cerruti, 2026. "Education matters: the emergence of social media and scepticism towards science," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 97(1), pages 127-157, March.

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    JEL classification:

    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General

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