Young people's media use and adherence to preventive measures in the “infodemic”: Is it masked by political ideology?

“This is most likely not the correct vaccine”: Analyzing COVID-19's viral spread and vaccine anxieties in Ghana, Cameroon, and Malawi

“…In contrast, in Ghana, where there have been multiple elections that have led to regime changes, and where the public are not accustomed to the government imposing its will, talk of mandatory vaccination led to worries. This finding corroborates recent studies which shows that political forces shape people's understandings of COVID-19 ( Juvalta et al, 2023 ; Ojong, 2020 ; Storer et al, 2022 ) and vaccines ( Leach et al, 2022 ). It is also worth noting that the subjectivities captured in our research are rooted in coloniality.…”

Children, young people and the Commercial Determinants of Health

“…The activities of media corporations can influence population health and well-being ( Brown and Witherspoon, 2002 ), including the role they play in framing health issues ( Weishaar et al , 2016 ). Social media sites have become central to how young people connect and socialize, express their creativity, become engaged in debates and discussions and form their identities ( Juvalta et al , 2023 ; Lyons et al , 2023 ). For the health promotion and public health communities, they have also provided unique ways to connect with young people ( Ferretti et al , 2023 ; McCashin and Murphy, 2023 ; Taba et al , 2023 ), and have been powerful platforms to motivate activism and advocacy around important health and social issues, such as the climate crisis ( Boulianne et al , 2020 ; Knupfer et al , 2023 ).…”

“…Multiple studies have shown that the content that young people consume on social media platforms may contribute to heightened body image concerns ( Choukas-Bradley et al , 2022 ) and mental health issues (particularly for girls) ( Twenge et al , 2022 ). While new media platforms have enabled young people to easily access information about their health and well-being, it may also expose them to misinformation and disinformation based on a range of political ideologies that are difficult for them to navigate ( Howard et al , 2021 ; Juvalta et al , 2023 ).…”