The continuum of attitudes towards vaccination A qualitative analysis of arguments used in pro-, anti- and hesitant Tweets

Abstract

Abstract: This study examines the way in which different standpoints towards vaccination (pro-vaccination, anti-vaccination and hesitant towards vaccination) are expressed on Twitter, by exploring the arguments that are used and investigating the role of science within the different standpoints. The results show that in general, the same type of arguments is used in the entire continuum of vaccination standpoints. Furthermore, scientific arguments are most prominent in the pro-vaccination Tweets as opposed to the anti-vaccination and hesitant Tweets. In the anti-vaccination Tweets, the importance of doing research yourself is highlighted and posters express a lack of trust in science. In the hesitant Tweets, the importance of good information provision is seen as important.