Source: https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/21/politics/cnn-poll-coronavirus-vaccine/index.html
For the first time today, 66% of Americans polled say that they will take the coronavirus vaccine if offered. This marks a marked change from sentiments over the past few weeks. Since the first polls came out indicating that a majority of Americans were worried about, or even refused to, take the vaccine I had wondered if this was a function of "Anti-Vax". Anti-Vax is a movement, widely believed to be propagated on YouTube, that promotes the idea that you shouldn't vaccinate yourself or your children, to prevent possible adverse effects, usually autism. The type of environment that YouTube created through their algorithm made this type of idea popular, and the popularity of this idea had real world consequences, measles.
There haven't been any major studies to suggest this, it was just something that had been rolling around in my head. I was thinking media was influencing people's personal politics in a bad way.
However, the reverse seems to actually be the case. When the coronavirus vaccine was given emergency approval by the FDA a number of major politicians and celebrities did photoshoots of them receiving the vaccine. This seems to be a major factor in the change in public opinion we are seeing.
"46% says it’s possible they would do so once others start getting vaccinated and more information becomes available."
I think people seeing their heroes take the vaccine, is giving it a credibility boost. I think the media is influencing people's politics in a positive way.
But we will just have to wait and see if history views it that way.
Reply #2: 01-24-2021: Steven Moore: Vaccine worries, a function of the media?
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting idea to consider how the news media may be affecting the public’s levels of vaccine hesitancy. However, I would also consider how peoples’ interpersonal relationships may be boosting willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine. As people see their co-workers, neighbors, and family members get vaccinated with little to no side-effects, it seems they are becoming more willing to receive the vaccine themselves. Furthermore, people are often hesitant to participate in things that which they know little about. This includes getting a vaccine that is one of the most quickly created distributed vaccines in history. As people are able to find out more about the vaccine, their hesitancy will also likely decrease. Both of these points are reflected well by your quote “46% says it’s possible they would do so once others start getting vaccinated and more information becomes available." Overall, interesting insights!
I totally agree with the point you made being that media in fact does influence individual's personal politics in a negative way. People seem to be far too easily influenced nowadays and doing things simply for a trend or popular reason has become far too normal. Overall great post for this week's blog I enjoyed reading!
ReplyDeleteI believe this anti-vax perspective is another one of Qanon's attempt to scare people. Ive seen so many tweets and memes on how deadly and dangerous the vaccines are and I started asking myself how much of these post are really factual. This is another example of the media being a negative impact because the more stories on anti-vax that spreads, the less people would want to get vaccines and that can also possibly increase the COVID rate.
ReplyDeleteWith the recent J&J vaccine blood clotting scare, I have read that people are even more hesitant to get the vaccine. Only 8 women reported blood clots, and everyone is freaking out about it. You have a higher risk of blood clots when taking birth control pills, but people are blind. Over 20 people have been killed from gun violence and mass shootings in the last month, so you literally have a higher chance of getting murdered by a madman than you do of getting blood clots from the vaccine.Anti-vaxxers are the reason eradicated diseases are showing back up in the population. I think they are ridiculous! Great post!
ReplyDelete