Examining Attenuated Responses to Coronavirus Disease-2019 Risk

This study examines attenuated risk responses among individuals who do not adhere to preventive COVID-19 measures (e.g., antimaskers). Guided by the Social Amplification of Risk Model, a survey (N = 373) of nonabiding populations showed that news media use was positively associated with risk perceptions, information seeking and sharing, and preventive measure adoption. By contrast, negative emotions to COVID-19 and perceived knowledge hindered preventive measure adoption from increased information seeking and sharing. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.