A recent study conducted by sociologists from the government social policy think-tank SCP has revealed that approximately 20% of the Netherlands' population had reservations regarding
certain aspects of the government's coronavirus strategy. Many of these individuals felt their concerns were disregarded, contributing to a lack of trust.
According to SCP researcher Joep Schaper, while some coronavirus measures were easily understandable on their own, a broader perspective revealed a series of exclusions that alienated those who did not fully embrace the strategy. This exclusionary approach further eroded trust among skeptics.
The research was based on a survey completed by 2,800 individuals, as well as an analysis of social media posts and coverage in four daily newspapers. The researchers also conducted interviews with individuals skeptical of the government's approach.
The SCP emphasized that the government should have paid closer attention to the underlying concerns of dissenting voices, including those with extreme viewpoints, in an effort to comprehend their motivations.
Coronavirus skeptics were found to represent a diverse cross-section of society and did not differ significantly from the general population in terms of mental health, media usage, or personal experiences with Covid-19. However, a common thread among them was a lack of trust in the government.
The SCP recommended that the government display curiosity towards the arguments put forth by individuals holding strong dissenting opinions. The agency emphasized the existence of valid questions and concerns beneath such viewpoints. Furthermore, the insights gained from this research could be relevant to other issues, including climate change measures and nitrogen-based pollution.
The study also revealed that two-thirds of respondents felt it was challenging to determine the veracity of coronavirus-related information on social media. Additionally, almost 30% believed that the media allocated excessive attention to alternative ideas about the disease.