Technology In Response To The Pandemic: A Social Network Analysis Of Qataris' Attitudes Towards The Covid-19 Mandatory Tracing App

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to explor Qatari public perception of EHTERAZ, a compulsory government-backed contact tracing application, by performing a sentiment analysis of tweets pertaining to this app. Methods: The software NodeXL was used to conduct a social network analysis of 8061 tweets which were collected over the period of four weeks in May 2020. Further, we also conducted a sentiment and thematic analysis of the tweets using the MAXQDA software. Results: Our results revealed that EHTERAZ conversation resembled a community cluster network as we found multiple smaller groups around a few hubs. The results, also, confirmed non-Qatari foreign polarized crowds that attempted to diffuse fake news concerning the EHTERAZ app. The study found that Qatari individuals’ sentiments towards EHTERAZ were mostly neutral then negative. Conclusion: Despite EHTERAZ was developed primarily to reduce the spread of COVID-19 virus, social network analysis of tweets revealed ethical, social, political and economic critical issues, including privacy concerns, foreign disinformation, and digital inequalities. Policy makers are strongly recommended to have a clear plan regarding combating foreign propaganda, disinformation, and fake news.