Evaluating the Impact of Social Media News on the Level of Students’ Fear and Anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The spread of false and inaccurate news on social networks has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to fear and panic among users globally and posing a threat to their mental well-being. Aim: This study aims to investigate the impact of social networks on inducing fear and panic among students amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences in December 2020, involving a sample of 261 students selected through the available sampling method. The data collection tool utilized was a questionnaire, subjected to content analysis for validation. The questionnaire's reliability, determined through the test-retest method, yielded a score of 0.825. Results: Survey results revealed that virtual social networks such as Telegram (73.9%) and Instagram (65.9%) were the primary platforms for receiving COVID-19 news during the pandemic. Furthermore, 62% of students reported using these networks to access health and COVID-19-related information. Moreover, 36% of respondents indicated experiencing psychological distress due to the dissemination of COVID-19 news. Conclusion: The spread of false information on social media significantly contributes to heightened anxiety and fear among students, leading to increased psychological distress. In order to mitigate the adverse effects of misinformation on social media, it is crucial to educate students on discerning between accurate and inaccurate news. Empowering students with skills to navigate reliable sources can enhance their knowledge and help them avoid unnecessary psychological distress.