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

Abstract

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.

Amplification without the event: the rise of the flexitarian

“…We do note however that SARF provides no mechanism for assessing the respective weight of amplification versus attenuation. and this lack of an overall balance sheet has been seen as a serious limitation of the framework (Wirz et al 2018). In short, SARF only allows an intuitive analysis of whether a particular risk is being amplified rather than attenuated making it of limited utility whenever there is a controversy, for example, 'has the UK government overreacted to the Covid-19 crisis?'…”

“…In this study, we explore the boundaries of SARF. The framework has been generally used to explore discrete events including disease outbreaks (Busby and Duckett 2012;Fellenor et al 2019; Lewis and Tyshenko 2009;Wirz et al 2018), disasters (Yeo et al 2014) and incidents (MacGregor 2003;Poumad ere et al 2005). From its inception, the framework emphasises the singularity and discreteness of its target conceptualisation of risk.…”

Risk Evaluation of “Not-In-My-Back-Yard” Conflict Potential in Facilities Group: A Case Study of Chemical Park in Xuwei New District, China

“…Moreover, re-exposure to the initial information is ineffective for reducing prejudice. Wirz et al used the risk framework to study the role of social media responsibility and risk perception in risk amplification, which pointed out the importance of multilingual approaches in risk communication [28]. In 2002, using the risk amplification effect model, Frewer et al analyzed the collection of attitude data before, during, and after the increased reporting of the risks of genetically modified food in the United Kingdom (spring 1999).…”

“…The media and experts are connected to enterprises and residents as the mediums for risk information, hence the government needs to guide them to maintain social stability [60]. The government should pay attention to the role of the media and experts in the transmission of risk information, use the media and experts to disseminate correct risk knowledge, report government and enterprise risk information in a timely manner, and prevent the unwarranted amplification of risks caused by the distortion of risk information [28]. Moreover, social software, such as network channels, is a tool for residents to communicate information.…”

Risk communication in a double public health crisis: the case of Ebola and cholera in Ghana

“…Studies of SARF have often focused on the media as an amplification station. Such studies suggest that the media heighten risk through the volume of information published, frames used, and dramatization of facts, among others (Rossmann, Meyer, and Schulz 2018;Wirz et al 2018;see Binder et al 2015 for a review of Media in SARF). Rossmann, Meyer, and Schulz (2018) analyzed the content of press releases and news media to show that the media amplified the A/ H1N1 risk by emphasizing conflict, presenting information in emotion-based and dramatized ways, and adopting risk-amplifying frames.…”