Culture and Health Communication: A Comparative Content Analysis of Tweets from the United States and Korea

Authors

  • Minhee Choi University of South Carolina
  • Brooke Weberling McKeever University of South Carolina

Keywords:

CDC, Twitter, health communication, content analysis, international communication

Abstract

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are central channels for the delivery of health information in the United States and also in other countries. This study explores Twitter content from the CDCs in South Korea and the United States by comparing health communication messages in terms of cultural differences. The study found significant differences in communicating health in terms of frequently mentioned health topics, use of collective words, presence of authority figures, and the frequency of communication with the public. The study also indicates that economic as well as cultural factors influence the CDCs’ health communication. Overall, the study suggests how and how often the CDCs communicate may be associated with the two countries’ public health systems and surveillance in each country. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Author Biographies

Minhee Choi, University of South Carolina

Minhee Choi is a doctoral student in School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of South Carolina. Her research areas include strategic communication focusing on advocacy and activism, international public relations, and health communication.

Brooke Weberling McKeever, University of South Carolina

Brooke W. McKeever is an Associate Professor and MMC Program Coordinator in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of South Carolina. Her research focuses on strategic communication, including health communication and nonprofit public relations. She has published more than 30 academic articles and has received awards for her research and teaching. Before earning her Ph.D. and an Interdisciplinary Health Communication Certificate from UNC-Chapel Hill, McKeever worked for a public relations agency in Chicago and for nonprofit organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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Published

2020-07-28

Issue

Vol. 14 (2020)

Section

Articles

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