State vs. Anti-vaxxers: Analysis of Covid 19 Echo Chambers in Serbia

Abstract

Times of uncertainty and fear were brought by Covid 19. Ongoing pandemic is a fruitful ground for fake news, as citizens try to find explanations that fit into their worldviews. This process polarizes society and creates echo chambers amplified by recommender systems. Our main goal is to detect anti-vaxxer echo chamber in Serbia by analyzing online reactions to recent arrest of prominent anti-vaxxer dr Jovana Stojkovic. Content analysis of online comments is deployed in anti-regime left, anti-regime right and pro government media to explore attitudes towards vaccination conspiracy theory, police action towards anti-vaxxers and government crisis response team. We clearly distinguish anti vaccine echo chamber among commentators of anti regime right media (Youtube podcasts). Additionally, we describe attitudes expressed around issues related to vaccination. Limitation of this inquiry is lack of quantitative analysis. This is recommended for further research, in order to analyze greater number of comments. Additionally, scientists should explore echo chambers in more detail, given the fact they stand as realistic threat to democracy in future.