Exploring the Role of News Outlets in the Rise of a Conspiracy Theory: Hydroxychloroquine in the Early Days of COVID-19
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Improper use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 has been linked to 17,000 preventable deaths. This content analysis study investigates the emergence of this conspiracy theory, the role of the news media in perpetuating and disseminating it, and whether coverage differed by outlet political alignment. We searched Nexis for relevant media from 17–31 March 2020. A total of 128 media pieces were coded qualitatively and thematically analysed. The news media amplified the voices of right-wing political elites and used a variety of manipulative tactics in reporting on hydroxychloroquine. Powerful ingroup/outgroup mechanisms polarised the American public and created a schism between Trump supporters and the public health apparatus that reflected the political asymmetry in reporting on hydroxychloroquine. The widespread use of optimistic framings and anecdotal evidence contributed to public misunderstandings of the evidence. Therefore, strategic and interventionist public health efforts are required to combat misinformation. This study informs discussions of how politicised media coverage catalyses conspiracism.
Source: COVID
DOI: 10.3390/covid4120132
Authors: Robert Dickinson, Dominique Makowski, Harm van Marwijk, Elizabeth Ford
Institutions: University of Sussex, Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,137
Funder: Goddard Space Flight Center
OpenAlex ID: W4404754383