Open AccessWhat are they saying? A speech act analysis of a vaccination information debate on Facebook
Author(s) -
Laurie J. Bonnici,
Jinxuan Ma
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
canadian journal of information and library science/the canadian journal of information and library science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.151
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 1920-7239
pISSN - 1195-096X
DOI - 10.5206/cjilsrcsib.v44i1.13342
Subject(s) - criticism , speech act , vaccination , pandemic , free speech , public relations , psychology , covid-19 , political science , social psychology , sociology , linguistics , medicine , law , virology , philosophy , disease , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty)
The global resurgence of vaccine preventable diseases is garnering attention amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination information debates in a Facebook group give participants access to second-hand knowledge conveying personal experiences. Through the lens of Speech Act Theory, this study analysed discourses on pro-and anti-vaccination perspectives along with views from vaccine hesitant groups. Analysis reveals significant criticism of behaviour around information. Findings indicate provision of substantiating information would play a crucial role in debate within divergent information contexts. Application of Speech Act Theory serves to inform participant communication more intimately and empowers their engagement in polarized discussion.