Red Media, Blue Media, Trump Briefings, and COVID-19: Examining How Information Sources Predict Risk Preventive Behaviors via Threat and Efficacy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Upon the growing concern over a massive infodemic and politicization of health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigated how individuals’ use of partisan media and Trump briefings, along with other information sources, predicts risk preventive behaviors. Drawing on the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM), our survey analysis (n= 1,106) revealed that those obtaining COVID-19 information from conservative media and Trump briefings were less likely to believe that COVID-19 is a serious threat (perceived threat) and that recommended preventive behaviors are effective and feasible (perceived efficacy). These beliefs, in turn, resulted in their decreased intentions to adopt risk preventative behaviors. In contrast, those who got COVID-19 information from liberal media, health organizations’ briefings, and traditional media reported heightened threat and efficacy perception, which, in turn, led to their willingness to take risk preventive actions.