  The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered profound societal changes, extending
beyond its health impacts to the moralization of behaviors. Leveraging insights
from moral psychology, this study delves into the moral fabric shaping online
discussions surrounding COVID-19 over a span of nearly two years. Our
investigation identifies four distinct user groups characterized by differences
in morality, political ideology, and communication styles. We underscore the
intricate relationship between moral differences and political ideologies,
revealing a nuanced picture where moral orientations do not rigidly separate
users politically. Furthermore, we uncover patterns of moral homophily within
the social network, highlighting the existence of one potential moral echo
chamber. Analyzing the moral themes embedded in messages, we observe that
messages featuring moral foundations not typically favored by their authors, as
well as those incorporating multiple moral foundations, resonate more
effectively with out-group members. This research contributes valuable insights
into the complex interplay between moral foundations, communication dynamics,
and network structures on Twitter.
