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This chapter investigates how Turkish social media users interpret and respond to claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to heart attack incidents. Drawing on a qualitative thematic analysis of Facebook comments across five ideologically diverse news platforms—CNN Türk, Mynet, TVNET, Sözcü, and Haber7—the study identifies dominant themes shaping public discourse. Findings reveal a strong prevalence of vaccine skepticism, widespread endorsement of conspiracy narratives, and significant distrust toward public institutions. Religious framing, personal testimonies, and emotionally charged language further characterize the online commentary. By examining these patterns, the study highlights the role of social media in amplifying misinformation and fostering public anxiety in health crises. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of how conspiracy theories are embedded in everyday digital interactions and offer insights for designing more effective public communication strategies.

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Conspiracy in the Age of Social Media: Viral Beliefs About COVID-19 Vaccines and Heart Attacks in Turkish Digital Discourse

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Mahmut Fevzi Cengiz

摘要

This chapter investigates how Turkish social media users interpret and respond to claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to heart attack incidents. Drawing on a qualitative thematic analysis of Facebook comments across five ideologically diverse news platforms—CNN Türk, Mynet, TVNET, Sözcü, and Haber7—the study identifies dominant themes shaping public discourse. Findings reveal a strong prevalence of vaccine skepticism, widespread endorsement of conspiracy narratives, and significant distrust toward public institutions. Religious framing, personal testimonies, and emotionally charged language further characterize the online commentary. By examining these patterns, the study highlights the role of social media in amplifying misinformation and fostering public anxiety in health crises. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of how conspiracy theories are embedded in everyday digital interactions and offer insights for designing more effective public communication strategies.