Book chapter
Infodemics and health information overload
Health, Media, and Communication, pp.433-452
Handbooks of Communication Science, v. 15, De Gruyter
2024
DOI: 10.1515/9783110775426-023
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant public health challenges, particularly concerning the overwhelming surge of information, termed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization (WHO). Infodemics are a pressing concern because they can facilitate misinformation, confusion, and information overload. The chapter will focus primarily on the latter because communication researchers have noted that information overload can undermine public health efforts. Information overload occurs when individuals feel that they have received more information than they can meaningfully process, which might indicate frustration and confusion and hinder learning or impair viewers’ ability to make informed decisions. The chapter reviews the existing literature on infodemics and information overload, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It outlines the causes, including the volume and rapid spread of information through various channels, psychological factors, and individual differences. The consequences of information overload during the pandemic are also discussed, highlighting its impact on mental health, information acquisition habits, and preventive health behaviors. To mitigate information overload, several strategies are proposed, including government and non-government interventions, improved message design, and enhancing media literacy. Future research directions are suggested to better understand and address information overload, focusing on its definition, nature, and consequences, and differentiating between information and misinformation overload.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Infodemics and health information overload
- Creators
- Yi LiaoHelen M LillieJakob D Jensen
- Contributors
- Gert-Jan de Bruijn (Editor)Heidi Vandebosch (Editor)
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Publication Details
- Health, Media, and Communication, pp.433-452
- Publisher
- De Gruyter; Berlin, Boston
- Series
- Handbooks of Communication Science; v. 15
- DOI
- 10.1515/9783110775426-023
- Number of pages
- 20
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2024
- Academic Unit
- Communication Studies
- Record Identifier
- 9984772243902771
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