Trust in Science, Perceived Media Exaggeration About COVID-19, and Social Distancing Behavior

Abstract

For many individuals, the media function as a primary source of information about preventative measures to combat COVID-19. However, a considerable number of citizens believe that the media coverage about pandemics is exaggerated. Although the perception of media exaggeration may be highly consequential for individual health behaviors, we lack research on the drivers and consequences of this perception. In a two-wave panel study, we examined associations between trust in science, perceptions of media exaggeration about COVID-19, and social distancing behavior during the lockdown in Austria (NT2 = 416). Results showed that trust in science at T1 led to less perceptions of media exaggeration about COVID-19 at T2. Furthermore, consistent with the theory of psychological reactance, perceptions of media exaggeration about COVID-19 at T1 caused less social distancing behavior at T2. Thus, findings suggest that trust in science may positively affect individuals' social distancing behavior by decreasing perceived media exaggeration about COVID-19 over time. Implications for research on media effects in times of COVID-19 and conclusions for journalists are discussed.

Public Health Information Seeking, Trust, and COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors: Cross-sectional Study

“…This study contributes to the limited scientific literature regarding the association between COVID-19 preventative behaviors, the trustworthiness of information, and sources of information. Our findings are comparable to earlier studies that found that people who had higher trust in government COVID-19 messaging were more likely to adopt preventive behaviors [ 7 , 10 - 12 , 14 , 15 ]. In alignment with existing work, our respondents felt that preventive measures, such as social distancing, would help prevent the disease spread, but only a minority of people strongly agreed that social distancing was easy to do [ 33 ].…”

“…Additionally, the source of information and the trustworthiness of the information is potentially critical. Earlier studies conducted in multiple settings have found that trust in COVID-19 health information from government officials and public health agencies (PHAs) was related to an increase in people's perceived level of risk, greater severity of the disease if infected, and greater belief in the effectiveness of preventive behaviors [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. Political ideologies, religiosity, and conspiracy ideation have been identified to play a substantial role mediating trust in COVID-19 information and guidelines [13,15], highlighting the demographic differences influencing trust in health information and communication.…”

Welche nicht-intendierten Folgen hat Protestverhalten? Eine Panelanalyse zum Zusammenhang von Anti-Corona-Protesten und Demokratiezufriedenheit in Österreich

“…Angefangen mit Putnams (1993) Ausführungen zu fehlendem Vertrauen und der Erosion der amerikanischen Demokratie, findet die Variable immer wieder Eingang in verschiedene politikwissenschaftliche Untersuchungen. Im Zuge der Pandemie durch den rally-effect (Bol et (Neureiter et al 2021). Es kann davon ausgegangen werden, dass die Demokratiezufriedenheit in der Pandemie auch durch die Krisenberichterstattung beeinflusst wird.…”

Configurations for positive public behaviors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis

“…Research suggests that vaccine efforts might need to go beyond communication campaigns correcting misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines and should focus on re-establishing public trust in government agencies [ 33 ]. Trust in science may positively affect individuals’ social distancing behavior by decreasing perceived media exaggeration about COVID-19 [ 34 ]. Trust is a critical factor that encourages people to comply with public health regulations.…”