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Cited by 10Vaccine Coverage and HesitancyMisinformation and Its ImpactsCommunication and COVID-19 Impact

Diversity of digital media exposure, information verification and vaccination intention: an empirical study in China

Chen, Hongliang, Chen, Yueying, Xu, Xiaowen, Atkin, David·2025·Information Technology & People
DOI 10.1108/itp-04-2023-0390
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Abstract

Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the public relied heavily on digital media to stay tuned for the latest update. Media preference could increase risk perceptions, although the influence of diverse media exposure remains unknown. Based on protection motivation theory, this study aims to investigate how digital media exposure diversity and information verification influence vaccination intention. Design/methodology/approach: Analyzing survey data from 837 respondents in China, this study examined the effects of digital media exposure on information verification, including their influences on the threat appraisal, coping appraisal, vaccine misinformation beliefs, subjective norms and trust in vaccines. Findings: Results indicate that diversity of digital media exposure increased threat appraisal (perceived severity) and coping appraisal (response efficacy and self-efficacy), while information verification increased only coping appraisal (response efficacy and self-efficacy). In addition, diversity of digital media exposure decreased vaccine misinformation beliefs. Furthermore, digital media exposure and information verification were linked to vaccination intention via the mediations of response efficacy, subjective norms and trust in vaccines. Originality/value: This study is the first of its kind to investigate media exposure diversity in the context of vaccination and health crises. Our findings extended the PMT framework by exploring proactive information-related behaviors as antecedents of mediation processes. In addition, we examined misinformation beliefs, social norms and trust as societal influences. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.

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Crossref · 10.1108/itp-04-2023-0390

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88 of 88 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Chen et al. (2024) found that exposure to a diverse range of media sources positively correlates with users' likelihood of engaging in verification activities.

    “For example, Chen et al. (2024) found that exposure to a diverse range of media sources positively correlates with users' likelihood of engaging in verification activities.”

    From Bridging risk and retention: risk coping with privacy and hallucination in AI (2026) · cites this paper as Chen et al. 2024

  • Chen et al. (2024) identified protective behaviors including use of antivirus software, fake personal details, avoidance of questionable websites, removal of unwanted contacts, and seeking guidance.

    “Likewise, Chen et al. (2024) identified a range of protective behaviors, including the use of antivirus software, fake personal details, avoidance of questionable websites, removal of unwanted contacts, and seeking guidance when using social media platforms.”

    From Bridging risk and retention: risk coping with privacy and hallucination in AI (2026) · cites this paper as Chen et al. 2024

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Authors
Chen, H., Chen, Y., Xu, X., & Atkin, D.
Affiliations
  • Zhejiang University (CN)
  • Butler University (US)
  • University of Connecticut (US)
ORCID
Venue
Information Technology & People
Publisher
Emerald
Published
2024-08-12
Volume
38
Issue
6
Pages
2531-2554
ISSN
  • 0959-3845 (ISSN-L)
  • 1758-5813
DOI
10.1108/itp-04-2023-0390
OpenAlex
W4401482292
Cited by
10
References
89
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 1
FWCI
4.55
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Information Technology and People (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Health › Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Misinformation and Its Impacts
  • Social Sciences › Communication › Communication and COVID-19 Impact
Keywords
fact-checking, COVID-19 vaccination intention, protection motivation theory, vaccine confidence, subjective norms, threat appraisal, coping appraisal, response efficacy, self-efficacy, health misinformation, China

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