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This month: July 2021 A study of self-disclosure during the Coronavirus pandemic This study examined the incidence of self-disclosure in a large set of tweets representing user-led English-language conversations about the Coronavirus pandemic. Using an unsupervised approach to detect voluntary disclosure of personal information, the results provide early evidence that situational factors surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic may affect individuals’ privacy calculus. Text analyses reveal topical shift toward supportiveness and support-seeking in self-disclosing conversation on Twitter. A comparable analysis of tweets from Hurricane Harvey provided context for observed effects, suggesting opportunities for further study. |
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Also this month Friends get vaccinated: The power of social media groups in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign In times of crisis the power of social media is reflected in its ability to influence social behavior and act quickly without bureaucratic mechanisms. During the Israeli COVID-19 vaccination campaign, social media groups were formed to collect, verify, and disseminate information about leftover vaccine doses. Masses of people quickly joined these groups, rushed to the vaccine locations, and shared real-time information with other group members. Based on 15 semi-structured interviews with group members and admins, this study identified three motives for creating groups: making information accessible, the struggle against vaccine opponents, and a desire to return to life as it was before the pandemic. |
