Department of Public Administration, Division of Global Human Resources, Kangwon National University, Samcheok-si 25913, Korea.
Department of Public Administration, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 11;18(22):11825. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182211825.
This study aims to analyze the direct and indirect impact of beliefs in conspiracy theories on COVID-19-related preventive actions and vaccination intentions. The dominant theory in the literature is that beliefs in conspiracy theories have negative consequences. In particular, strong beliefs in conspiracy theories lower people's intentions to engage in preventive actions and get vaccinated. Previous studies indicated that this dominant theory applies in Korea as well. However, we find that this dominant theory does not apply in Korea. Based on an analysis of survey data, we find that beliefs in conspiracy theories have positive impact on preventive actions and vaccination intentions. In addition, beliefs in conspiracy theories play indirect roles in these two responses to COVID-19. Specifically, when perceived benefits and trust in the government or science enhance preventive actions or increase vaccination intentions, strong beliefs in conspiracy theories promote this effect. This positive role of conspiracy theories is paradoxical because they are generally viewed as negative.
本研究旨在分析阴谋论信仰对 COVID-19 相关预防措施和接种意愿的直接和间接影响。文献中的主导理论认为，阴谋论信仰会产生负面影响。具体来说，强烈的阴谋论信仰会降低人们采取预防措施和接种疫苗的意愿。先前的研究表明，这一主导理论在韩国同样适用。然而，我们发现，这一主导理论在韩国并不适用。通过对调查数据的分析，我们发现，阴谋论信仰对预防措施和接种意愿有积极的影响。此外，阴谋论信仰在这两种对 COVID-19 的反应中起着间接作用。具体来说，当感知到的益处和对政府或科学的信任增强预防措施或增加接种意愿时，强烈的阴谋论信仰会促进这种效应。阴谋论的这种积极作用是矛盾的，因为它们通常被视为负面的。
