Patterns of the Influence of Social Media Reports of Coronavirus on the Residents of Select Cities in Nigeria

Abstract

This study is an examination of the patterns of the influence of social media reports on coronavirus on users in select Nigerian cities. Mixed research design comprising quantitative and qualitative methods was adopted with the questionnaire and interview guide schedule used as the research instruments. Thus, a sample size of 1,111 respondents was statistically determined and proportionately distributed across the sampled cities (Bauchi, Kano, Makurdi, Port Harcourt, Awka and Lagos respectively). The findings showed that acceptance of facemasks, personal responsibility in adherence to coronavirus prevention protocols, increased sensitivity to symptoms of the virus, enhanced social distancing and improved hygiene consciousness among the people were the various patterns of influence of social media reports on coronavirus among sampled respondents. The findings further showed that some mediating variables such as knowledge level, cultural values, traditional and religious beliefs and individual interests were core in propelling the effect process of socially-mediated coronavirus reports among the study population. Thus, the researchers concluded that a significant relationship exists between coronavirus reports on social media and behaviour change among Nigerians. The researchers, therefore, recommended a coordinated tactical approach to the conception and production of social media reports on coronavirus with a view to ensuring that only fairly objective, accurate and credible sourced reports are transmitted about the virus on social media to help identify a point of convergence across the identified patterns of effects.