譚躍、蕭蘋

Yue Tan, Ping Shaw

引用來源、主題建模、情緒分析、新冠肺炎、新聞框架、機器學習

citation sources, COVID-19, machine learning, news frames, sentiment analysis, topic modeling

COVID-19疫情的發展使新聞報導內容不斷更新。本研究借助電腦內容分析法，檢視臺灣第二波疫情期間（2020年9月至2021年8月），九個主要新聞媒體對疫情報導（n=87,147）的框架，以及這些框架與報導主題、情感方向和引用來源之間的關聯性。

結果發現，報導中以行動框架最為常見，尤其在爆發期最多。行動框架主要引用政府的消息來源，報導政府的防疫政策和措施，同時鼓勵民眾配合政府的防疫措施。其次常見的是衝突框架和後果框架。衝突框架同樣在爆發期最多，主要用來報導病毒和疫苗，以及政治人物和民間團體的反應，衝突框架偏好引用各式的消息來源，表達較多正負面和焦慮的情緒。後果框架則是較常用於討論國內外疫情的發展和影響，語氣中立，且較少引用各式消息來源，疫情爆發後有所減少。此外，新證據框架則常搭配衝突框架，引用專家學者之意見，報導病毒和疫苗的新發現，表達較多情緒。最後，本研究討論了上述的新聞框架對民眾可能造成的影響。

The development of the COVID-19 pandemic helped to continually update the content of news reports. This research utilizes computerized content analysis to examine the framing of news reports by nine major Taiwanese news media outlets during the second wave of the pandemic, spanning from September 2020 to August 2021 and encompassing 87,147 news articles. The study delves into the relationships between these frames and the topics of the reports, their emotional direction, and the sources cited.

The findings reveal that action frame was the most prevalent, especially during the outbreak period. Government sources were predominantly cited in these reports, which covered government policies and measures against the pandemic and encouraged public compliance with these measures. Conflict frame and consequence frame were also frequently used. The former, which peaked during the outbreak, mainly reported on the virus, vaccines, and reactions from political figures and civil groups. This frame often utilized various sources and expressed a mix of positive, negative, and anxious emotions. Conversely, the latter was commonly used to discuss the development and impact of the pandemic both domestically and internationally, while maintaining a neutral tone, citing fewer sources, and its use decreasing after the outbreak.

The new evidence frame often accompanied the conflict frame, citing experts and scholars to report new findings about the virus and vaccines, and it also expressed more emotions. The study further discusses the potential impact of these news frames on the public, emphasizing how different frames can shape public perception and response to the pandemic.
This research is grounded in the theory of news framing in communication studies. The concept of framing refers to the way information is presented to audiences that influences their perception and interpretation of the news. In the context of this study, frames are the lenses through which the news media report on the pandemic, affecting how the public understands and reacts to the ongoing health crisis.

The literature has highlighted the significant role of media framing in shaping public attitudes and behaviors during health crises. For instance, during the early stages of the pandemic, media coverage played a crucial role in informing the public about the nature of the virus, recommended safety measures, and progress of scientific research. However, as the pandemic evolved, so did the framing of news reports, reflecting changes in the pandemic’s trajectory, public sentiment, and government policies.

The action frame, identified as the most common in this study, highlights the importance of government actions and public compliance in controlling the spread of the virus. This frame not only informs the public about what measures are being taken, but also encourages them to participate actively in these efforts. By predominantly citing government sources, the action frame lends authority and credibility to the information presented and reinforces the significance of adherence to public health guidelines.

The conflict frame, which focuses on disputes and disagreements, was also prominent during the outbreak period. This frame reported on conflicts related to the virus and vaccines, including political debates, public protests, and disagreements among experts. The use of various sources in the conflict frame provided a diverse range of perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. However, the emotional tone of these reports, often mixed with anxiety and uncertainty, could potentially heighten public fear and apprehension.

The consequence frame, which discusses the outcomes and impacts of the pandemic, was frequently used to report on the broader implications of the health crisis. This frame covered the social, economic, and political consequences of the pandemic, both within Taiwan and globally. By maintaining a neutral tone and citing fewer sources, the consequence frame aimed to provide an objective analysis of the pandemic’s effects, helping the public to grasp the gravity of the situation and the long-term challenges ahead.

The new evidence frame, often used in conjunction with the conflict frame, focused on the latest scientific findings and developments related to the virus and vaccines. By citing experts and scholars, this frame helped keep the public informed about new discoveries and advancements, fostering a sense of hope and progress. The emotional expression in these reports, particularly excitement and optimism about scientific breakthroughs, could positively influence public morale and support for ongoing research efforts.

The study’s methodology involves comprehensive computer content analysis, leveraging machine learning techniques to categorize and analyze the vast dataset of news articles. This approach allows for a systematic examination of the frames used in media reports and their evolution over time. The findings highlight the dynamic nature of media framing during the pandemic and reflects shifts in public discourse and the evolving understanding of the virus.

Understanding the impact of news framing on public perception is crucial for effective risk communication, particularly during health crises. The paper suggests that different frames can either enhance or undermine public trust and compliance with health measures. For instance, the action frame’s emphasis on government actions and public compliance likely bolstered support for public health policies, while the conflict frame’s focus on disputes may have contributed to skepticism and resistance.

The study underscores the importance of source credibility in news reporting. By predominantly citing government sources in the action frame, the media reinforced the authority and legitimacy of the information presented. In contrast, the use of diverse sources in the conflict frame provided a more nuanced view of the issues, but also introduced varying degrees of credibility and reliability.

In conclusion, this study sheds light on the critical role of media framing in shaping public perception and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings emphasize the need for strategic framing in news reporting to enhance public understanding, trust, and compliance with health measures. As the pandemic continues to evolve, ongoing research into media framing will be essential for improving risk communication and public health outcomes.