Factors Influencing Information Adoption From Social Media About COVID-19 by Saudi Citizens

Abstract

Social networking sites comprise an open world where anyone can share different types of information. During the Covid-19 pandemic, people's social isolation made social media particularly important, and it has emerged as an important platform for sharing health information. The credibility of the information, however, is questionable. Therefore, this study aims to understand attitudes towards using social media as an information source among social media users in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, it seeks to examine the propensity of individuals towards using health information from social media platforms and whether individuals demographic factors (such as gender) impact information adoption. Based on using an online questionnaire incorporating a novel vignette design to measure participants’ perceptions of information sources on social media platforms. The findings revealed that there is a high use of social media platforms among the Saudi population and that verified accounts on social media platforms, same gender and nationality positively affect the propensity towards adopting information.