Athletes, Entertainers, and Political Figures: Online Influencers and the Amplification of Anti-vaccine Voices on Social Media

Globally, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than seven million people have lost their lives to the virus. While a COVID-19 vaccine was approved in the U.S. at the end of 2020, some segments of the American population remain hesitant when it comes to getting vaccinated. With the polarization of vaccine attitudes across political lines, this book chapter describes how social media platforms have become fertile grounds for the amplification of anti-vaccine voices. Using examples of online influencers in athletics, entertainment, and politics, it will illustrate the different ways in which online influencers spread anti-vaccine views or messages. The authors argue that while some online influencers may help disseminate vital public health messages, many have also been found to share unfounded claims and misinformation with their large numbers of followers on social media. This chapter concludes with recommendations for social media companies, online influencers, and the public to combat COVID-19-related misinformation.