مجلة الحكمة للدراسات الاجتماعية
Volume 10, Numéro 3, Pages 70-93
2022-09-23

The Role Of Media And Its Types In Shaping The Public Awareness Of Covid-19 Preventive Measures

Authors : Alharthi Majed Hatem .

Abstract

This paper investigates the role and impact of old (Newspapers, T.V., and Radio) and new (social media) media outlets in shaping people’s awareness of the preventive measures to stop COVID-19. This study used a quantitative method via implementing a survey that was distributed online through Qualtrics. A total of 164 participants submitted the survey which included multiple-choice questions on the participants’ practices towards protecting themselves and others from getting infected with COVID-19 infection. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to present the findings in this study. Findings indicate the important role media, especially new, plays in shaping the viewers’ and followers’ awareness of COVID-19 preventive measures. While the COVI-19 pandemic is almost over, the contribution this study is making is important in predicting public awareness and how it is shaped in possible future pandemics and crises similar to COVID pandemic.

Keywords

Preventive Measures ; Old Media ; New Media ; Public Awareness ; COVID-19 ; Pandemic