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Does informational social media use negatively impact preventive behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic? The moderating roles of citizens’ scientific knowledge and trust in science

Oliver Schnittka et al.

Health Marketing Quarterly2026https://doi.org/10.1080/07359683.2026.2624300article
AJG 1ABDC B
Weight
0.50

Abstract

This study is first to examine the link between using social media as a primary COVID-19 information source and preventive behavior, while examining moderating effects. Using the O-S-R-O-R model and panel survey data from Germany (N = 776), it finds a negative direct effect of informational social media use on preventive behavior, and a negative indirect effect through conspiracy beliefs. However, the negative impact is less pronounced in individuals with high knowledge and trust in science. These findings underscore the importance of accurate, comprehensive social media communication, especially in crises, and have practical implications for policymakers and scientific institutions.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/07359683.2026.2624300

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@article{oliver2026,
  title        = {{Does informational social media use negatively impact preventive behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic? The moderating roles of citizens’ scientific knowledge and trust in science}},
  author       = {Oliver Schnittka et al.},
  journal      = {Health Marketing Quarterly},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/07359683.2026.2624300},
}

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Does informational social media use negatively impact preventive behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic? The moderating roles of citizens’ scientific knowledge and trust in science

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.