Open AccessUsing Twitter to Examine Stigma Against People With Dementia During COVID-19: Infodemiology Study
Author(s) -
Juanita Bacsu,
Sarah Fraser,
Alison L. Chasteen,
Allison Cammer,
Karl S. Grewal,
Lauren Bechard,
Jennifer Bethell,
Shoshana Green,
Katherine S. McGilton,
Debra Morgan,
Hannah M O’Rourke,
Lisa Poole,
Raymond J. Spiteri,
Megan E O’Connell
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
jmir aging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2561-7605
DOI - 10.2196/35677
Subject(s) - dementia , misinformation , stigma (botany) , public health , pejorative , social media , thematic analysis , pandemic , social distance , psychology , social stigma , psychiatry , medicine , covid-19 , nursing , qualitative research , political science , sociology , family medicine , disease , social science , pathology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , infectious disease (medical specialty) , law
Background During the pandemic, there has been significant social media attention focused on the increased COVID-19 risks and impacts for people with dementia and their care partners. However, these messages can perpetuate misconceptions, false information, and stigma. Objective This study used Twitter data to understand stigma against people with dementia propagated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We collected 1743 stigma-related tweets using the GetOldTweets application in Python from February 15 to September 7, 2020. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the tweets. Results Based on our analysis, 4 main themes were identified: (1) ageism and devaluing the lives of people with dementia, (2) misinformation and false beliefs about dementia and COVID-19, (3) dementia used as an insult for political ridicule, and (4) challenging stigma against dementia. Social media has been used to spread stigma, but it can also be used to challenge negative beliefs, stereotypes, and false information. Conclusions Dementia education and awareness campaigns are urgently needed on social media to address COVID-19-related stigma. When stigmatizing discourse on dementia is widely shared and consumed amongst the public, it has public health implications. How we talk about dementia shapes how policymakers, clinicians, and the public value the lives of people with dementia. Stigma perpetuates misinformation, pejorative language, and patronizing attitudes that can lead to discriminatory actions, such as the limited provision of lifesaving supports and health services for people with dementia during the pandemic. COVID-19 policies and public health messages should focus on precautions and preventive measures rather than labeling specific population groups.