Beyond Scanning and Seeking: The Role of Information Consumption Typologies in Shaping COVID-19 Knowledge, Misinformation, Trust, and Vaccination Intentions

This study examines the relationship between different information consumption patterns and COVID-19-related outcomes in Oman. A total of 759 participants completed a cross-sectional survey from September to October 2020 that measured COVID-19 knowledge, misinformation, fact-checking, trust in information sources, institutional trust, and vaccination intentions. Participants were categorized into four groups based on their information consumption behaviors: low scanners/no seekers (LSNS), low scanners/seekers (LSS), high scanners/no seekers (HSNS), and high scanners/seekers (HSS). A multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to compare the outcome variables, and structural equation modeling (SEM) explored the role of trust in mediating the relationship between information consumption patterns and vaccination intentions. HSS demonstrated the highest levels of COVID-19 knowledge, trust in government and social media, and confidence in institutional crisis management. In contrast, LSNS exhibited the lowest levels of COVID-19 knowledge and trust. HSNS were the most susceptible to misinformation and conspiracy beliefs. Social media played a dual role as both a trusted information source and a conduit for misinformation. SEM analysis highlighted trust as a key mediator in the relationship between HSS information consumption patterns and vaccination intentions. This study highlights the importance of audience segmentation in public health strategies and the necessity of fostering active information-seeking to enhance knowledge, trust, and vaccination uptake. Targeted interventions can mitigate misinformation risks among passive information consumers, while social media campaigns can foster fact-checking and digital literacy. Together, these strategies can help bridge knowledge gaps and enhance public health compliance during crises.