How social media and networks shape vaccine decisions in Black and Latinx communities
Influence of Social Media, Social Networks, and Misinformation on Vaccine Acceptance Among Black and Latinx Individuals
This project looks at how social media, social networks, and misinformation influence vaccine decisions among Black and Latinx adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11375011 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, researchers will combine surveys, interviews, and digital data from social media and social networks to understand why some Black and Latinx adults accept vaccines despite exposure to misinformation. They will use AI and network-analysis tools to identify patterns and predictors of vaccine acceptance, and examine factors like trust in healthcare, access to services, mental health, and political views. The team will focus on adults who frequently encounter misinformation but still choose vaccination to learn what supports their decisions. Findings will be used to guide clearer communication and targeted outreach for these communities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black/African American or Latinx adults (around 21 years and older) who use social media or are part of community networks and can share their experiences about vaccines and misinformation.
Not a fit: This project is unlikely to directly benefit children, non-Black/non-Latinx populations, or people who do not engage with social media or community networks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help create clearer, more trusted vaccine messages and outreach that increase vaccine confidence in Black and Latinx communities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work on COVID-19 messaging and digital outreach has sometimes improved vaccine uptake, but using AI and network methods to pinpoint individuals who remain vaccine‑accepting despite misinformation is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, Sean — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Young, Sean
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.