Covid-19, Media & Misinformation: A Focus Group Study 

Abstract

Background and aims

The study aims to understand the perception and behavior of people (graduate students) towards how misinformation through the media influenced their mindset regarding COVID-19.

Methods

Participants for the focus group discussions were recruited via purposive sampling conducted. The discussions from the study were recorded and transcribed and used the thematic analysis method.

Results

The study had 3 males and 2 females. Sub-themes identified cut across perception, attitude, literacy level towards media messages and COVID-19.

Conclusion

People are overwhelmed by the variety of visual and text misinformation in the media about COVID-19, hence, they engage their intuition to filter the information they consume.