Abstract
To shed light on the rhetorical aspects of communication during crisis, we
examined the Norwegian discourse on Facebook and Twitter related to the
issue of Covid-19 vaccines. Based on our review of recent Nordic studies, we
compare our findings with existing studies on social media and Covid-19 in
Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. We apply the conceptual frame of rhetorical
citizenship in our analysis of the rhetorical practices by Norwegian health
authorities and how citizens perceived, supported, or contested information
about Covid-19 vaccines between July 2020 and March 2021. The analysis
shows a change over time and a shift of moods and arguments reflecting the
unfolding of the crisis, going from scepticism to optimism, to disappointment
and critique of the health authorities. Observing that social media dynamics
may further unproductive dissensus, we argue that rhetorical practices are
an essential aspect of communication strategies to maintain civic deliberation
and trust during crisis management.
examined the Norwegian discourse on Facebook and Twitter related to the
issue of Covid-19 vaccines. Based on our review of recent Nordic studies, we
compare our findings with existing studies on social media and Covid-19 in
Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. We apply the conceptual frame of rhetorical
citizenship in our analysis of the rhetorical practices by Norwegian health
authorities and how citizens perceived, supported, or contested information
about Covid-19 vaccines between July 2020 and March 2021. The analysis
shows a change over time and a shift of moods and arguments reflecting the
unfolding of the crisis, going from scepticism to optimism, to disappointment
and critique of the health authorities. Observing that social media dynamics
may further unproductive dissensus, we argue that rhetorical practices are
an essential aspect of communication strategies to maintain civic deliberation
and trust during crisis management.
