Nature of Involvement of People in Extracting Coronavirus (COVID-19) Related Information: A Perspective on Bangladeshi Media

Abstract

Media plays a vital role in disseminating information about different social issues and thus creates awareness among people. The aim of this study is to explore the nature of mass media in spreading information on Coronavirus (COVID-19). Total population taken for this study was 125. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted through Google from August 16 to August 31, 2020 on different age groups. The questionnaire offered 25 questions on 5 issues. The study revealed that most participants got information on COVID-19 from social media using internet regularly, recognizing its importance of educating people on the pandemic. . This study found that the related information by the Bangladeshi media houses was insufficient. After receiving information about Coronavirus from mass media, almost all the participants knew what Covid-19 was. They conveyed the knowledge to their families and even followed the preventive measures against the pandemic as stated by media. It is declared that the information given by newspapers and television was credible but media sometimes provided misleading information about Coronavirus. Media needs to observe caution while giving news so as to save people from any wrong impact.