Mental health consequences of COVID-19 media coverage: the need for effective crisis communication practices

Globalization and Health

Yuyang Cai¹  Jaffar Abbas²  Zhaohui Su³  Yu-Tao Xiang⁴  Dean McDonnell⁵  Sabina Šegalo⁶  Ali Cheshmehzangi⁷  Junaid Ahmad⁸  Xiaoshan Li⁹  Jun Wen^1,10  Ling Yang^1,11  Metin Kozak^1,12 

[1] Professor of Architecture and Urban Design, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China;Antai College of Economics and Management, and School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University;Center on Smart and Connected Health Technologies, Mays Cancer Center, School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio;Department of Geriatrics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine;Department of Humanities, Institute of Technology Carlow;Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo;Head of Department of Architecture and Built Environment;Prime Institute of Public Health, Peshawar Medical College;Program of Public Relations and Advertising, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College;School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University;School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine;School of Tourism, Dokuz Eylül University;

关键词: COVID-19;    Coronavirus;    Mental health;    Crisis communication;    Infodemic;    Misinformation;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12992-020-00654-4

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract During global pandemics, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), crisis communication is indispensable in dispelling fears, uncertainty, and unifying individuals worldwide in a collective fight against health threats. Inadequate crisis communication can bring dire personal and economic consequences. Mounting research shows that seemingly endless newsfeeds related to COVID-19 infection and death rates could considerably increase the risk of mental health problems. Unfortunately, media reports that include infodemics regarding the influence of COVID-19 on mental health may be a source of the adverse psychological effects on individuals. Owing partially to insufficient crisis communication practices, media and news organizations across the globe have played minimal roles in battling COVID-19 infodemics. Common refrains include raging QAnon conspiracies, a false and misleading “Chinese virus” narrative, and the use of disinfectants to “cure” COVID-19. With the potential to deteriorate mental health, infodemics fueled by a kaleidoscopic range of misinformation can be dangerous. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of research on how to improve crisis communication across media and news organization channels. This paper identifies ways that legacy media reports on COVID-19 and how social media-based infodemics can result in mental health concerns. This paper discusses possible crisis communication solutions that media and news organizations can adopt to mitigate the negative influences of COVID-19 related news on mental health. Emphasizing the need for global media entities to forge a fact-based, person-centered, and collaborative response to COVID-19 reporting, this paper encourages media resources to focus on the core issue of how to slow or stop COVID-19 transmission effectively.

【 授权许可】

Unknown