Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
Factors affecting individual online rumor sharing behavior in the COVID-19 pandemic
Peng Luo1, Chenxiao Wang2, Feng Guo3
1School of Business, Sichuan University, No.24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, China.
Abstract:
With the outbreak of COVID-19, online sharing of rumors about the disease is of growing concern worldwide. Drawing on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework, this study aims to explore the impacts of peer condition and peer communication on fear of COVID-19, and the impact of fear of COVID-19 on online rumor sharing behavior, by considering the contingency effect of health self-efficacy. Data from 1167 respondents to an online survey in China were adopted to test our research model. The results indicate that peer communication and peer condition induce fear of COVID-19, and fear of COVID-19 results in online rumor sharing. Fear of COVID-19 mediates the effects of peer communication and peer condition on online rumor sharing. Health self-efficacy alleviates the positive effect of peer communication on fear of COVID-19, and the positive effect of fear of COVID-19 on online rumor sharing. This study advances the literature on online rumor sharing and S-O-R, and provides practical implications to social media users and governments.
Related Concept Videos
Social Proof
Bullying
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
Conformity
Factors Influencing Attraction IV: Reciprocity
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...

