Mechanisms of Social Risk Derivation and Diffusion in Public Health Emergency of International Concern

Abstract

The risk derivation and diffusion during PHEIC have raised new requirements for national and social governance. This study builds a "Content-Media-Driving Forces" framework and conducts case analysis through theoretical review, which allows the classification of risks derived from PHEIC into two types: tangible risks and public opinion risks. Tangible risks are manifested as structural risks and process risks, while public opinion risks are represented by popular judgments and the moralization of criticism. In the process of risk evolution, tangible risks and public opinion risks form a complex network of interaction and resonance, resulting in a multi-point radiating pattern of risk derivation and diffusion. In social risk management, it is crucial to strictly regulate epidemic prevention measures, focusing on controlling process-based social risks, responding to public demands in a timely manner, and preventing the diffusion of public opinion that could lead to resonance between public opinion risks and other social risks.