Análise da desinformação no contexto da vacinação contra o coronavírus no Brasil

Abstract

The misinformation circulating on social media regarding the coronavirus pandemic has been an obstacle in the fight against the disease, directly impacting the advancement of immunization in various parts of the world. This study sought to evaluate possible influences between vaccination rates in Brazil and social media interactions related to posts from questionable sources. Using complex networks analysis and econometric models, we measured the impact of questionable information about vaccines, considering geographic, political and social issues. We used the list of pages classified as emitters of disinformation by CPMI Fake News, installed by the Brazilian Federal Senate in September 2019, as questionable sources of information. A chart analysis procedure was implemented to expand the original list and identify other accounts that shared the same dubious content. From the expanded list, we obtained the positions considered questionable on Facebook. The results of the panel data analyzes show a negative impact on vaccination rates, with different variations depending on the political orientation of the disseminating sources considered.