Reasons for rejecting official recommendations and measures concerning protection against SARS-CoV-2-a qualitative study of social media posts

Background In order to slow down the spread of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2) the federal states and the government in Germany have implemented protective measures with far-reaching consequences for the population and the economy. Amongst others, these measures include the temporary restriction of the operation of leisure facilities as well as contact and travel restrictions. These government regulations and recommendations have provoked mixed reactions, with some parts of the population not complying accordingly. Objectives The aim of the present study is to explore reasons for the noncompliance with protective measures on the basis of social media posts. Materials and methods Three social networks (Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube comments) were systematically investigated for the period 2 March to 18 April 2020 with regard to attitudes and beliefs about "social distancing" and other protective measures by means of qualitative document and content analysis. A total of 119 postings were included in the analysis and interpreted. Results Six main categories and four subcategories were identified in terms of the rejection of protective measures: misinformation of social media (trivialization and doubts about the effectiveness of protective measures), mistrust of the established public media, knowledge deficits and uncertainty, restriction of basic rights, the role of authorities (population control and poor trust in the Robert Koch Institute), and economic consequences of the pandemic. Conclusion Misinformation in social media and knowledge deficits may contribute to underestimating the pandemic. In addition, economic pressures may contribute to rejecting protective measures. To increase the acceptance of implemented protective measures, health education and transparent and evidence-based communication represent relevant determinants.