"Better Safe Than Sorry": Social Media Responses to Emerging Covid-19 Research in the News

Abstract

In late 2019 and early 2020, the world faced the onset of a novel virus, SARS-CoV-2, also known as COVID-19 or Coronavirus, that would ultimately impact the lives of millions around the world. The COVID-19 Pandemic brought widespread attention to both the scientific process and communication of research from researchers through media outlets to the public. This study examines public responses to emerging and changing scientific research on surface transmission of COVID-19 as it was reported in New York Times articles during three different points in the pandemic. Three articles, published in March, May, and November of 2020, offer developing information about the surface transfer of COVID-19 as it became available. This study uses qualitative and quantitative analysis to analyze public Facebook comments on each New York Times article to document how public audiences understood and responded to changing COVID-19 research over time.