Factors That Impact the Spread of Infodemics in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Current research falls short when it comes to an understanding of the infodemic spread. However, it is considered a critical area to prevent the spread of falsehood about the state leading to harmful effects both within and outside countries. To address this concern, the purpose of this research is identifying the factors impacting the spread of infodemics and recommend preventive methods in Saudi Arabia. To achieve the objectives, a questionnaire survey and distributed among the general community in a country. In total, received sample size of 131 valid responses and analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression modelling techniques. The results revealed that were used spread of infodemic i.e., demographic, and social media use behaviour. Regarding social media use, people spend approximately seven hours a day surfing WhatsApp, Twitter, or Snapchat. Interestingly, approximately 84% were in the habit of sharing messages. These factors were highly favorable for the infodemic spread in the country. The results contribute to preventing the infodemic in a country through creating awareness, taking care that the messages received and forwarded are authentic, legal actions and sanctions against erring people, groups and sources, safe platforms, preventive applications, and creation of a Rumor Monitoring Centre to be established.