How Do Multiple Actors Conduct Science Communication About Omicron on Weibo: A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

This article explores science communication about Omicron on Weibo by eight actors from November 2021 to June 2022. Regarding the themes of vaccines, symptoms, and medicines, we examined the actors’ communication with content analysis, presented the interactions of different actors using social network analysis, and assessed the impact of weibos on public sentiment using SnowNLP and descriptive statistics. The results showed that scientists are still the most important actors, focusing on science issues and using contrasting and contextual frames. Central-level media play an essential mediating role, relaying scientific knowledge. Science communication on Weibo had a positive impact on public sentiment.

Keywords

• covid-19
• omicron
• public sentiment
• science communication
• social media
• sentiment analysis
• weibo