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
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
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