Anti-science, partisan tweets could flag an outbreak

The study by USC computer scientists found that science denial and partisan views on Twitter indicated where the next COVID outbreak could occur

2021-06-18

(Press-News.org) In the realm of social media, anti-science views about COVID-19 align so closely with political ideology -- especially among conservatives -- that its predictability offers a strategy to help protect public health, a new USC study shows.

Resistance to science, including the efficacy of masks and vaccines, poses a challenge to conquering the coronavirus crisis. The goal of achieving herd immunity won't happen until society achieves consensus about science-based solutions.

The USC study's machine-learning assisted analysis of social media communications offers policymakers and public health officials new tools to anticipate shifts in attitudes and proactively respond.

"We show that anti-science views are aligned with political ideology, specifically conservatism," said END

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