Media as an Influencer of Societal Behavior, Case of COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus COVID-19 is, without a doubt, the number one international news event in 2020. The purpose of the study is to prove that the media are having a detrimental effect on the psyche and behavior of the individual by means of spreading panic within society. This study demonstrates the relationship between the information presented in the media and the reaction of the people towards it. The methodology includes the use of an online questionnaire for gathering raw data. Descriptive statistics and the ANOVA statistical analysis will further be conducted in determining the poor reaction of the individual and the spread of mass hysteria/panic by the media in the information field. People are yet disinclined to agree to the fact that the media is influencing their behavior, especially in times of crisis. And even though their responses evidently suggest that their will has been influenced by the information presented from the TV screen, not everyone has yet acknowledged the fact that TV and media propaganda is tampering with their thinking and behavior. Application of the study can further be used in a greater analysis determining the attitude of the people in various countries towards their media, and how the specific media influenced the behavior of the people changing their lives. No study in the field of media psychology has been conducted in relation to COVID-19 panic due to media propaganda.