The Effect of Trust and Verification of Social Media News on the COVID-19 Vaccine Attitude

Aim: This study aims to examines the effects of university students' social media news trust and verification awareness on their attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine. Material and Method: This study was implemented through Google Forms between February-July 2021 when the restrictions were still in effect. A total of 529 students studying in undergraduate departments of universities in Istanbul were reached. "Information Form", "Social media news trust and verification awareness", and "Attitudes towards the Covid-19 vaccine" were used to collect data. Results: Students' (n=529) attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine are positive. While it is seen that professional trust is higher than individual trust, it has been found that the participants frequently perform verification awareness. In addition, it was determined that professional trust and verification awareness and positive attitude toward the vaccine were positively related. Conclusion: Students' attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine are positive and related to social media trust and verification awareness. Information on social media is important for the protection of public health, especially during pandemics.