University of Twente Student Theses
Distrust in governmental institutions: A comparative analysis of user-generated Twitter posts on climate change and COVID-19
Setzmann, Annika (2023) Distrust in governmental institutions: A comparative analysis of user-generated Twitter posts on climate change and COVID-19.
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| Abstract: | The current global landscape is marked by two challenges: climate change and COVID-19. Effective crisis management by the government is crucial in addressing these crises, but its efficacy can be hindered by public distrust. The objective of this research is to investigate the elements that impact people’s trust in the government as expressed on social media, to enhance comprehension regarding how public trust can be fostered and strengthened amidst the challenges of climate change and COVID-19. Method To explore the topic, a content analysis was conducted to examine user-generated content on Twitter. 800 tweets discussing the government (400 each on climate change and COVID-19) were collected and analyzed. The analysis involved both quantitative measures, such as frequency of codes, and qualitative examination of the specific content addressed in the tweets. Results The findings show that German Twitter users express concerns and expect government action on climate change and COVID-19, however, prevalent negative sentiments and dissatisfaction reveal a lack of trust in the government’s actions. Differences in attention, emotional tones, and diverse opinions highlight the complexity of public sentiment. Likes and retweets partially represent prevalent opinions, but exceptions indicate fluctuating views. Conclusions The findings emphasize the need to understand trust dynamics, emotional factors, and the impact of social media during crises. To address these issues, it is crucial for governments to prioritize transparency, improve crisis management strategies, and for social media to encourage responsible content moderation. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Programme: | Communication Studies BSc (56615) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/95471 |
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