Rethinking Social Amplification of Risk: Social Media and Zika in Three Languages

Using the Zika outbreak as a context of inquiry, this study examines how assigning blame on social media relates to the social amplification of risk framework (SARF). Past research has discussed the relationship between the SARF and traditional mass media, but the role of social media platforms in a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Risk analysis 2018-12, Vol.38 (12), p.2599-2624
Main Authors: Wirz, Christopher D., Xenos, Michael A., Brossard, Dominique, Scheufele, Dietram, Chung, Jennifer H., Massarani, Luisa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amplification
Aquatic insects
Assignment
Attenuation
Blame
Culicidae
Digital media
GE mosquitoes
Genetic engineering
Languages
Learning algorithms
Machine learning
Mass media
Mosquitoes
Outbreaks
Perceptions
Prominence
Risk
Risk assessment
Risk communication
Risk perception
SARF
Social media
Social networks
Verbal communication
Zika virus
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Summary:Using the Zika outbreak as a context of inquiry, this study examines how assigning blame on social media relates to the social amplification of risk framework (SARF). Past research has discussed the relationship between the SARF and traditional mass media, but the role of social media platforms in amplification or attenuation of risk perceptions remains understudied. Moreover, the communication and perceptions of Zika‐related risk are not limited to discussions in English. To capture conversations in languages spoken by affected countries, this study combines data in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. To better understand the assignment of blame and perceptions of risk in new media environments, we looked at three different facets of conversations surrounding Zika on Facebook and Twitter: the prominence of blame in each language, how specific groups were discussed throughout the Zika outbreak, and the sentiment expressed about genetically engineered (GE) mosquitoes. We combined machine learning with human coding to analyze public discourse in all three languages. We found differences between languages and platforms in the amount of blame assigned to different groups. We also found more negative sentiments expressed about GE mosquitoes on Facebook than on Twitter. These meaningful differences only emerge from analyses across the three different languages and platforms, pointing to the importance of multilingual approaches for risk communication research. Specific recommendations for outbreak and risk communication practitioners are also discussed.
ISSN:0272-4332
1539-6924
DOI:10.1111/risa.13228