Table 1.

Coding scheme for content analysis of user comments based on the ELM.

Primary dimension	Secondary dimension	Definition
Central route	Logic/evidence	The comment supports or refutes the rumor by providing factual evidence, logical reasoning, or pointing out internal contradictions.
	Source questioning	The comment explicitly questions the credibility, motives, or identity of the information source.
	Deep thinking	The comment goes beyond the event itself to discuss deeper societal issues, technological ethics, or systemic causes.
Peripheral route	Emotional expression	The comment primarily expresses strong personal emotions such as fear, anger, surprise, or sadness, without substantive argumentation.
	Superficial agreement	The comment simply expresses agreement or support, or indicates a forwarding action, without providing additional arguments or analysis.
	Appeal to authority/majority	The comment forms a judgment by citing authoritative sources or the opinions of the majority.
	Personal attack	The comment does not address the content itself but attacks the character, intelligence, etc., of the publisher or other commenters.