Information Overload, Wellbeing and COVID-19: A Survey in China

Abstract

(1) Psychology must play an important role in the prevention and management of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the present study was to examine associations between the perceptions of information overload and wellbeing in China during the initial phase of COVID-19. (2) Methods: The present research involved a cross-sectional online survey, which controlled for established predictors of wellbeing and the perception of general (not COVID-19-specific) information overload. The setting of the research was China, February 2020. A total of 1349 participants completed an online survey, and the results from 1240 members of the general public who stated that they were uninfected are reported here (55.6% female; 49.4% single; age distribution: 17–25 years: 26%; 26–30 years: 24.3%; 31–40 years: 23.9%; 41–50 years: 16.2%; 51 years+: 9.6%; the most frequent occupations were: 21.5% students; 19.5% teachers; 25.9% office workers; 10.8% managers, plus a few in a wide range of jobs). The outcomes were positive wellbeing (positive affect and life satisfaction) and negative wellbeing (stress, negative affect, anxiety and depression). (3) Results: Regressions were carried out, controlling for established predictors of wellbeing (psychological capital, general information overload, positive and negative coping). Spending time getting information about COVID-19 was associated with more positive wellbeing. In contrast, perceptions of COVID-19 information overload and feeling panic due to COVID-19 were associated with more negative wellbeing. (4) Conclusions: These results have implications for the communication of information about COVID-19 to the general public and form the basis for further research on the topic.

The relationship between information overload and state of anxiety in the period of regular epidemic prevention and control in China: a moderated multiple mediation model

“…A large amount of epidemic information is not only a kind of cognitive load, but also contains much content related to the epidemic, such as infection prevention strategies, vaccine effectiveness, the increase in the number of people, the regional blockade caused by the epidemic prevention requirements, and the related impact on for example work, travel, and study. (Ahmed, 2020 ; Fan & Smith, 2021 ; Honora et al, 2022 ), the pressure and various uncertainties they bring will lead to individual worries and anxiety (Aljanabi, 2021 ; Cao et al, 2021 ; Rathore & Farooq, 2020 ). Third, according to the theory of massive-scale emotional contagion through social networks (Kramer et al, 2014 ), emotions can be transmitted and affect others through social relationship networks.…”

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Searching for Health-Related Information and Cyberchondria on the General Population in Italy

“…On the other hand, excessive searching of health information could potentially increase the level of stress, anxiety, and depression, as reported in other recent investigations (17,18). Considering the huge amount of health-related information available online, an increased risk of fake news and unverified information have been reported in the current pandemic era (particularly favored by the use of social media) (19,20), with consequent amplification of one's perceived risk, anxiety, and negative impact on well-being and quality of life (20)(21)(22)(23).…”

Stratified Impacts of the Infodemic During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Survey in 6 Asian Jurisdictions

“…For example, our results showed a negative effect of perceived information overload on psychological well-being. However, trait anxiety was significantly associated with higher levels of perceived information overload [ 24 ]. Thus, longitudinal studies are needed to ascertain the psychological consequences of information overload.…”