Role of mass media and it’s impact on general public during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in North India: An online assessment

OBJECTIVES: Based on the global experience, India has the possibility to be highly affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To contain the spread of the infection, a complete lockdown was enforced from March 25 to May 31, 2020 in India. During the unlock phase from June 1, 2020, only limited mobility was allowed. At present, in the pandemic, mass media is playing a very important role in sharing information and connecting people. The objective of this study is to understand the role and impact of mass media in the general public during COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study has been conducted on the above 10-year aged population by the online survey through Google spreadsheets. The semi-structured questionnaire was circulated to the known contacts in north Indian states for responses. The data collection started on June 23 and was closed on July 3, 2020. RESULTS: This study shows that the use of internet/social media was the highest, followed by TV news before and during lockdown. The use of the internet and TV news increased during the lockdown and the use of newspapers, radio, and magazine declined significantly. The anxiety due to COVID-related news through mass media was reported highest (27.3 %) in the 40–49 years age group and lowest (14.49%) in the 20–29 age group. About 43.18% of people of 30–39 years of age group developed fear, and 28% of 50–59 age groups felt panic due to COVID-related news in media. It has been found that the use of social media is highest in the 20–29 age group followed by 10–19 years age group CONCLUSION: Mass media is playing a very important role in the dissemination of the COVID-related information to the general public in north India. However, the misleading or wrong information shall be checked in the large public interest.