ROLE OF MEDIA IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS DURING COVID-19 IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Toward the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, people in general were a lot of worried about the updates on coronavirus. Information spread by mass media has contributed a crucial role updating the COVID-19 information. The role of media is providing awareness to the people about prevention behavior to control the COVID-19. But People were misinformed by the bogus data and rumors about coronavirus. Therefore, people are worried that they or their friends and family may be infected by COVID-19 in future, which makes them anxious and emotionally distressed.

This qualitative study was explored the role of media in the development of emotional distress during COVID-19 in Pakistan. Data was collected from 4 adults from different city of Pakistan. The sample data was collected using semi-structured interviews with participants selected through a purposive sampling technique. The collected information was then analyzed using thematic analysis. The results of the study revealed that social media play a significant role in facilitating awareness among people and recommendations for self-protective behaviors but the prevalence of disinformation and rumors about the COVID-19 have bombarded on social media leading to heightened fears and emotional distress among many citizens. Furthermore, this widespread misinformation also confused people to find out the reliable sources of information and guidance about COVID-19. This study recommends that the government should initiate media-based health intervention campaigns to reduce emotional distress among the Pakistani population. Additionally, the study also recommended that the government remove media content containing false information about COVID-19. It is purposed that medical specialists and psychologists may be invited to social media programs or broadcast to share useful pandemic-related information. Moreover, governmental authorities are encouraged to establish Official pages which providing accurate and beneficial information about pandemic on different social web sites for the benefit of the general public of Pakistan.