Vaccine framing dynamics: Media influence, social media sharing, and public sensemaking during a crisis

During crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, information dissemination and sensemaking processes profoundly shape public perceptions. This study investigates the intricate interplay between media framing, social media sharing, and individual reinterpretation of COVID-19 vaccination news on Facebook. Analyzing 1957 articles from The New York Times (NYT) over 2 years, the research delves into news framing dynamics and their influence on Facebook sharing patterns. Findings reveal eight frames used by journalists, with a focus on scientific development, political controversy, and societal impact. Notably, the anti-vaccination frame received the highest number of shares per article. I also explored the content of the individual shares examining how individuals changed the information provided by the NYT during the sharing process.