Dealing with the COVID-19 infodemic

  • Karim M
  • Singh R
  • Widén G
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Abstract

This exploratory study seeks to understand information experiences, emotional reactions, and coping mechanisms of young adults concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Studying two different populations, the Finnish sample included 49 young adults, while the US sample included 154. A qualitative content analysis approach was utilized in analyzing research findings. Respondents experienced a variety of emotions including negative, positive, and neutral emotions while searching for information about the COVID-19 crisis. Respondents utilized limited information consumption, selective information consumption, and information avoidance as their primary coping mechanisms to manage information overload, anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional well-being. Overall, the findings highlighted similarities in young people’s emotional reactions and coping mechanisms in managing the pandemic-related information in both countries. The study also revealed considerable differences in their perceptions about the role of media and politics in shaping how people consume and evaluate information.

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Karim, M., Singh, R., & Widén, G. (2021). Dealing with the COVID-19 infodemic. Nordic Journal of Library and Information Studies, 2(1), 38–57. https://doi.org/10.7146/njlis.v2i1.125220

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