Influence of Social Media on Public Support for Cancer Prevention Policies

Abstract

Background

The pervasive influence of social media on public health perceptions is an emerging area of interest. This study explores the impact of social media use on public support for cancer prevention policies, with a particular focus on the mediating role of cancer worry.

Methods

Utilizing data from the nationally representative survey HINTS 5, Cycle 4 (2020), this study establishes the hypothesized models to investigate public support for cancer prevention policies through alcohol, tobacco, and junk food. The present research maintains three key aspects: (1) the impact of social media use on support for cancer prevention policies; (2) the mediating influence of cancer worry in these models; and (3) the effect size comparison and the typology of each mediation analysis.

Results

The findings reveal that social media use contributes significantly to public support for cancer prevention policies, with cancer worry as a key mediator. Approximately 10% of the total effect of social media use on public support for cancer prevention policies is attributed to cancer worry. For different control policies, public support for alcohol and tobacco control constructs complementary mediation models, and public support for junk-food restriction constitutes an indirect-only mediation model.

Conclusion

The research emphasizes the significant impact of exposure to social media on public support for cancer prevention strategies through alcohol, tobacco, and junk-food. It also underscores the crucial role of cancer worry as a mediator.