University Honors

This literature review examines the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy among college students, with particular attention to social media misinformation, trust in information sources, and varying levels of digital health literacy. Vaccine hesitancy remains a major global public health concern, as it reduces vaccination coverage and increases the risk of disease outbreaks. College students are especially vulnerable because they rely heavily on digital platforms for health information and frequently encounter vaccine-related content through algorithm-driven feeds and peer networks. Social media environments amplify misinformation by prioritizing high-engagement content, enabling the rapid spread of misleading claims through influencers, automated accounts, and user interactions. While exposure to such content can increase perceived vaccine risk and weaken trust in public health institutions, the effects are not uniform across individuals. This paper argues that vaccine hesitancy cannot be explained by exposure to misinformation alone but is shaped by how students interpret and evaluate information. Digital health literacy plays a central role in this process. Students with higher levels of digital health literacy are better equipped to assess the credibility of sources, compare competing claims, and apply evidence-based information to decision-making, making them less susceptible to misinformation. In contrast, those with lower levels of digital health literacy are more likely to experience confusion and uncertainty when navigating complex information environments. The findings suggest that strengthening digital health literacy through targeted educational and public health interventions offers a more sustainable approach to addressing vaccine hesitancy than focusing solely on correcting misinformation.