Analysis of government agencies and stakeholders’ twitter communications during the first surge of COVID-19 in Brazil

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Official authorities are in charge of communicating with the public in a consistent and coherent manner. The impact of social media on managing the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic potentially influenced social behavior in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: Using Twitter, this study analyzes communications about the COVID-19 pandemic from official agencies of the Brazilian government and key public sector decision-makers. METHOD: We captured public Twitter messages about COVID-19 exchanged between authorities at the federal, state, and municipal levels of government. These messages were further classified into guidance and information messages or disinformation messages. Finally, through analysis of tweets and their frequency, we evidenced the level of information generated by the three levels of government. RESULTS: Our analyses show an underestimation of the magnitude of the pandemic by Brazilian government authorities. None of the spheres of government anticipated the imminent health crisis, did not issue good recommendations and guidelines, and did not take preventive actions. CONCLUSION: The lack of governmental actions and adequate guidance in Brazil has led to an explosive increase in infected people and deaths. Surprisingly, this was not due to technical or structural reasons. It resulted from conflicting communication strategies implemented by the federal, state, and municipal governments in attempts to minimize the effects of COVID-19 on their local health structures.

Political Leaders’ Communication Strategies during COVID-19 in Highly Infected Countries: A Scoping Review

“…A contrasting result was obtained by scholars who analyzed government Twitter communications during the first surge of COVID in Brazil [ 28 ]. This study reported that the Brazilian authorities underestimated the magnitude of the pandemic, which was reflected in their social media guidance, situational information, and even misinformation.…”

“… Lack of coordination and social participation in policymaking. Neves et al, 2022 [ 28 ] Brazil Analysis of Twitter communications Government authorities underestimated the pandemic’s magnitude, leading to misinformation and a lack of coordinated response. Using Twitter for communication, including guidance and situational information.…”

“… Communication Strategy Location Description Positive Outcome Challenges Areas for Improvement 1. Utilization of social media [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ] USA, Spain, India, Italy, Brazil Use of social media platforms for direct public interaction, dissemination of crisis-related information, and sentiment analysis. Involved monitoring emotional responses and providing accurate information.…”

“… 3. Strategic narrative control, empathy, and public engagement [ 27 , 28 , 32 ] Spain, Italy, Mexico Regular press conferences, empathetic language, collaboration with experts, and diversified dissemination channels. Focused on clear and direct communication, often through traditional methods like televised speeches.…”

A Novel Approach for the Early Detection of Medical Resource Demand Surges During Health Care Emergencies: Infodemiology Study of Tweets

“…Different levels of government must be able to coordinate effectively, and a failure to do so can lead to a disjunction in the care provided. A study by Neves et al [ 58 ] found that key government stakeholders underestimated the magnitude of the pandemic in the early weeks; for example, the Minas Gerais State Health Department posted messages on social media about not suspending the carnival, which is Brazil’s largest festival. When questionable COVID-19 management decisions are made that increase public health risk, such as decisions not to suspend major public events (eg, Brazil’s annual carnival), it is possible for the X discourse to reflect negative public perceptions of these government decisions before their negative impacts on case count and ICU bed demand.…”