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What are the Topics Discussed by the Singaporean Public on About COVID-19? An Exploratory Analysis of Telegram Chats

18 Pages Posted: 27 May 2020 Publication Status: Preprint

See all articles by Xingyu Ken Chen

Xingyu Ken Chen

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) - Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information

Loo Seng Neo

Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs - Home Team Behavioural Sciences Centre

Abstract

This study examines messages on Telegram groups to understand what the public is concerned with during the COVID-19 crisis. Using Anchored Correlation Explanation as a topic modelling technique, this study examines 48,226 messages found in five Telegram groups discussing the COVID-19 situation in Singapore. There were three topics of interest: 1) buying and selling activity involving protective equipment like masks, 2) Masks, 3) Signs and symptoms of diseases.

Keywords: covid-19, Topic modelling, Telegram

Suggested Citation

Chen, Xingyu Ken and Neo, Loo Seng, What are the Topics Discussed by the Singaporean Public on About COVID-19? An Exploratory Analysis of Telegram Chats. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3608579 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3608579

Xingyu Ken Chen (Contact Author)

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) - Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information ( email )

Singapore

Loo Seng Neo

Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs - Home Team Behavioural Sciences Centre ( email )

Singapore

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