Predictors and outcomes of individual knowledge on early-stage pandemic: Social media, information credibility, public opinion, and behaviour in a large-scale global study

Abstract

This study explores how individuals obtain knowledge, perceive information sources, behave, and form opinions while facing a pandemic at an early stage. We develop a conceptual model linking the predictors of individuals' knowledge with people's behavior and opinions. The model is empirically tested through a large-scale global survey of 15,552 respondents from 126 nationalities. Our results indicate that relying on one source of information does not lead to favourable behavior towards curbing the pandemic. Furthermore, we need to educate people and control misinformation spread on policy and social network platforms to curb emergencies collectively.