Diversity of digital media exposure, information verification and vaccination intention

An empirical study in China

Bibliographic Data

ID7155652
AuthorsHongliang Chen (0000-0003-0141-1074, Zhejiang University), Yueying Chen (0000-0003-4486-4217, Zhejiang University), Xiaowen Xu (0000-0002-4525-2645, Butler University), David Atkin (0000-0002-0087-597X, University of Connecticut)
Year2025
Volume38
Issue6
Pages2531-2554
Publication date2025-11-11
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInformation Technology and People (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0959-3845 • E-ISSN: 1758-5813
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/itp-04-2023-0390
OpenAlexW4401482292
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited86

Purpose During the COVID-19 pandemic, the public relied heavily on digital media to stay tuned for the latest update. Media preference could increase risk perceptions, although the influence of diverse media exposure remains unknown. Based on protection motivation theory, this study aims to investigate how digital media exposure diversity and information verification influence vaccination intention. Design/methodology/approach Analyzing survey data from 837 respondents in China, this study examined the effects of digital media exposure on information verification, including their influences on the threat appraisal, coping appraisal, vaccine misinformation beliefs, subjective norms and trust in vaccines. Findings Results indicate that diversity of digital media exposure increased threat appraisal (perceived severity) and coping appraisal (response efficacy and self-efficacy), while information verification increased only coping appraisal (response efficacy and self-efficacy). In addition, diversity of digital media exposure decreased vaccine misinformation beliefs. Furthermore, digital media exposure and information verification were linked to vaccination intention via the mediations of response efficacy, subjective norms and trust in vaccines. Originality/value This study is the first of its kind to investigate media exposure diversity in the context of vaccination and health crises. Our findings extended the PMT framework by exploring proactive information-related behaviors as antecedents of mediation processes. In addition, we examined misinformation beliefs, social norms and trust as societal influences. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed

Digital media · Misinformation · Political science · Social media · Computer Science · Media Influence and Health · Misinformation and Its Impacts · Psychology · Social Psychology · Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy

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