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Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Jiyoung Lee and Jihyang Choi

Misperceptions hinder our ability to effectively respond to health crises such as the COVID-19. We aimed to examine the dynamic influences between information exposure…

Abstract

Purpose

Misperceptions hinder our ability to effectively respond to health crises such as the COVID-19. We aimed to examine the dynamic influences between information exposure, information trust and misperceptions during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we focused on the relative influence of exposure to COVID-19-related information via social media versus interpersonal offline communication.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study conducted a two-wave national survey of US adults in May and June of 2020 with a two-week time interval. A professional polling firm recruited participants, and 911 and 679 respondents participated in the first and the second wave survey, respectively. To test proposed hypotheses, researchers conducted path analyses using AMOS 27.0.

Findings

Findings show that individuals exposed to COVID-19-related information via social media are likely to hold increased misperceptions. In contrast, exposure to COVID-19-related information offline did not elicit any effects on misperceptions. The exposure to information on social media was positively associated with trust in that information, which, in turn, contributed to an increase in misperceptions. Furthermore, when examining the effects of misperception, it was found that misperceptions increased the likelihood of individuals being exposed to and having trust in COVID-19-related information on social media. The findings provide valuable insights into the role of social media as a platform where a detrimental cycle thrives, shaping the formation of misperceptions and cultivating a heightened dependence among individuals with elevated misperceptions.

Originality/value

The current study significantly extends the findings of prior research by examining the differential effects of social media and interpersonal communication offline on misperception and by revealing the intricate dynamics between information exposure and misperception by focusing on the role of trust. The findings emphasize the detrimental role of social media in generating a vicious information cycle. That said, seemingly superficial discussions about health crises within a social media environment rich in misinformation can contribute to fueling a self-reinforcing loop, making it challenging to effectively counteract misperceptions.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 48 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 October 2024

Hauwah K.K. AbdulKareem, Sodiq Olaiwola Jimoh and Rashidat Sumbola Akande

With the rising global emphasis on sustainable development (SD) and the attendant race to attain the sustainable development goals (SDGs), this study empirically examines the…

Abstract

Purpose

With the rising global emphasis on sustainable development (SD) and the attendant race to attain the sustainable development goals (SDGs), this study empirically examines the effect of the finance–economic growth nexus on SD in West Africa for the period 1970 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the panel autoregressive distributive lag (PARDL) and rests on the estimates of the pooled mean group (PMG) model in line with the outcome of the Hausman test.

Findings

The result indicates that financial development reinforces the positive influence of economic growth on SD in addition to the direct incremental impact they wield on SD. This suggests that financial development is one of the “influencing factors” and is positioned to potentially improve the relationship between economic growth and SD in West Africa. Findings further reveal that foreign direct investment (FDI) enhances the achievement of SD in West Africa whereas carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and natural resource rent (NRR) are found to exert a deteriorating impact.

Practical implications

Since financial development is found to enhance the growth–SD relationship, it is crucial to pursue domesticated, inclusive and self-sustaining growth policies as well as promote financial inclusion, remove bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the financial system and adopt the principles of the 3 Rs - “reduce, reuse and recycle.”

Originality/value

Compared to previous studies that examined the effect of financial development and growth on SD separately, the present study interacted both to see how financial development can influence the economic growth–SD nexus.

Details

African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-0705

Keywords

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