From Outbreak to Recovery: An Observational Analysis of the Romanian Government's Online Communication during and post-COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: The expanding digital era has transformed government communication, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the digital communication strategies of the Romanian Government during the pandemic and its aftermath, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in times of crisis. Methodology: For this comprehensive analysis, quantitative and qualitative techniques were combined. Data were collected from Facebook using FanPageKarma.com and processed in RStudio. Key aspects were examined, including the categorization of communication phases, posting frequency, metrics of public interaction (comments and actions), and the analysis of the overall sentiment tone. Results: The findings reveal that during the COVID-19 crisis, the Romanian Government dedicated 42.3% of its 3,465 Facebook posts to the virus. This percentage significantly decreased to 1.46% after the crisis, indicating a thematic shift in government communication. Public engagement also decreased post-pandemic, with a shift towards global narratives, especially tension between Ukraine and Russia. The sentiment analysis shows an overwhelmingly positive language aimed at inspiring trust and hope. Conclusions: This study highlights that, following the COVID-19 crisis, the Romanian Government adapted its digital communication, experiencing lower public engagement but maintaining a positive tone. This underscores the importance of effective government communication during and after crises, a critical element for ensuring public trust and social cohesion. These findings offer valuable lessons for government communication management in times of uncertainty and emphasize the need for continuous adaptation in a constantly evolving digital world.