Desert Conspiracies: Social Media And The Shaping Of Anxiety And Fear On Covid-19 In The UAE

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Ahmed Mansoori (PhD) , Muhammed Musa (PhD)

Abstract

Covid-19, first reported in February 2020 has spread to all countries of the world, so that it is now a global crisis of pandemic proportion.  


Its impact is felt in all spheres of social life from health, economy, education and culture to professions and their practices.  


Like many other governments, the UAE government has embarked on initiatives to curb the spread of the virus in the country. Such initiatives that include lockdowns of town and cities, closure of malls and worship places, suspension of public gatherings, and hand sanitization and use of face mask etc. were propagated through media channels.  


In spite of its efforts at creating public awareness about the Covid-19 and the required measures, public beliefs bordering on conspiracy theories are found to be undermining such initiatives and consequently, injurious to the adaption of appropriate health behavior necessary in curbing the spread of the virus.  


This study used focus group interviews and structured surveys among citizens and residents of the UAE to gain insights into the nature of conspiracy beliefs and how they could be inimical to government measures at curbing the spread of the virus.  


Our study found among others, that respondents cite social media as sources of their beliefs which range from one that says that the virus in a hoax, to others that say that the virus is manufactured by powerful countries as part of the agenda for attaining hegemony. Yet others believe that big pharma are behind the manufacture of the virus for economic gain.  

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