Roles of social media and counselling support in reducing anxiety among Malaysian during Covid-19 pandemic

Covid-19 pandemic has created crises among some Malaysians. The crises have both opportunity and threat impacts. Without proper intervention, some people will develop stress, anxiety, and depression. This study aims to explore the emotional anxiety that exists in the society due to Covid-19 pandemic and the roles of social media and counselling support in reducing anxiety among Malaysians. This quantitative research involved online survey throughout the country. The online survey is administered during the First Phase and the Second Phase of Movement Control Order (MCO). The survey contains 13 items which cover three domain: i) anxiety, ii) roles of social media, and iii) roles of counselling support in reducing anxiety among members of the society. There were 8375 respondents from various age groups, locations, as well as economic and educational statuses involved in the study. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis. Majority of 7233 (86.6%) respondents felt anxious due to Covid-19 pandemic. A total of 7871 respondents (94%) followed the latest updates on Covid-19 to reduce their anxiety. They used social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to gather information and follow the updates through television and press conference. A total of 5251 respondents (62.7%) were aware of the counselling support provided during the MCO, and 4603 respondents (55%) felt comfortable to have counselling support by phone. The findings will contribute to knowledge on the society's emotional anxiety in facing Covid-19. It reflects the actual situation happened in Malaysia during Covid-19 and MCO.