The Governments’ Use of Social Networking Sites (SNS) to Promote Citizens’ Trust During the COVID-19: Perceived Religious Values as a Moderator

Grounded on the social capital theory, the current study examines the direct and indirect association of perceived government response to COVID-19 and the interaction of government representatives on social networking sites with the Public Trust in Government (PTIG) via perceived e-governance effectiveness as a mediator. Moreover, the interactive effect of Perceived Religious Value with Perceived Government Response to COVID-19 and Interaction of Government Representatives on Social Networking Sites was assessed to enhance public trust in government. Two independent studies were performed, and data were evaluated using SmartPLS 3.0 software. Results revealed the significant direct and indirect impact of Perceived Government Response to COVID-19 and Interaction of Government Representatives on Social Networking Sites on Public Trust in Government via Perceived E-governance Effectiveness as a mediator. The results also supported the moderating role of Perceived Religious Value between the Interaction of Government Representatives on Social Networking Sites and Public Trust in Government. Likewise, the findings supported the interactive effect of Perceived Government Response to COVID-19 with Perceived Religious Value to enhance Public Trust in Government. Key policy insights about the government’s timely and effective response to COVID-19 and Social Networking Sites used to enhance public trust are highlighted.