Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2022.595

PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS ON NETWORK RUMORS SPREAD IN COVID-19 EPIDEMIC

Wutao Tian ; Department of Public Physical Education, Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, China
Xiao Li ; LuoYang Branch SINOPEC, Luoyang, Chin
Shurui Jiao ; Department of Public Physical Education, Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, China

Abstract

Background: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, related rumors have been spread rapidly on social media, which
has seriously affected public normal life and caused mental panic and anxiety. This paper, by analyzing the spread of online rumors
and their impact on public mental health during the COVID-19 epidemic, aims to put forward relevant suggestions for dealing with
rumors and improving public mental health.
Subjects and methods: According to the actual rumors collected during the epidemic period as the content of the questionnaire, an
online rumor survey was carried out. A total of 1,200 questionnaires were distributed, and 1,165 valid questionnaires were collected.
Results: Among the sources of information about the epidemic, 78.2% of the respondents obtained epidemic information through
online channels. 633 respondents were concerned about the epidemic situation, accounting for 54.3%. The respondents have different
susceptibility to the epidemic sources, epidemic spread, epidemic treatment, epidemic influence, and epidemic prevention. They
account for 37.2%, 43. 4%, 45.2%, 39.4%, and 46.1% respectively. 646 respondents expressed great anxiety about the epidemic
situation, accounting for 55.5%. The source (t=26.33, P<0.05), transmission (t=28.32, P<0.05), prevention (t=35.36, P<0.05),
treatment (t=40.32, P<0.05), and impact of the epidemic (t=42.01, P<0.05) can significantly predict the transmission intention.
Conclusions: To control the spread of epidemic rumors and reduce the negative impact of such information on public mental
health, the government and various walks of life need to collaborate to solve the problem from the aspects of information disclosure
system, supervision means, and network communication system.

Keywords

COVID-19 epidemic; network rumors; public anxiety; communication psychology; public mental health

Hrčak ID:

290464

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/290464

Publication date:

3.11.2022.

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