High Internet Use Research Articles

Bias-Based Cyberaggression Related To Origin, Religion, Sexual Orientation, Gender, and Weight: Systematic Review of Young People's Experiences, Risk and Protective Factors, and the Consequences.

Bias-based cyberaggression-hateful and bias-based content and interactions via information and communication technologies-is a frequent experience for young internet users that can result in detrimental consequences for both individuals and society. Ample research has focused on the factors related to involvement in bias-based cyberaggression. This study systematically reviews the research published in the past decade about the investigations into exposure, vicarious and direct victimization, and aggression among young people (up to age 30). We aimed to provide a complex summarization of the research findings about the risk and protective factors and the consequences of experiences with bias-based cyberaggression-specifically the diverse manifestations of bias-based cyberaggression targeted toward ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender, weight, and disability. Three academic databases (EBSCO, Scopus, and WoS) were searched and 41 articles were included in the review. The results show a dominant research focus on bias-based cyberaggression victimization and on the bias-based cyberaggression that targets ethnicity, race, nationality, and religion, leaving a gap in the knowledge about the different types of targeted group categories and bias-based cyberaggression perpetration. The identified risk factors for bias-based cyberaggression involvement included being a minority, low psychological well-being, other victimization experiences, higher internet use, and risky internet use. An overlap was found for bias-based cyberaggression involvement with other offline and online victimization experiences. This review showed limited knowledge about protective factors, namely the social-level and contextual factors. The identified factors, as well as the gaps in the knowledge, are discussed in relation to research implications and practice and policy implications.

Internet use, household financial market participation and portfolio choice: evidence from China

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of Internet use on household financial market participation and portfolio choice.Design/methodology/approachBased on the Chinese General Social Survey 2017 (CGSS2017), this study empirically explores whether Internet use affects household financial market participation in China with an Endogenous Switching Probit model.FindingsThe results show that households using the Internet are more likely to invest in financial markets. Further research shows that households with high Internet use are significantly more likely to participate in financial markets than households with low Internet use. From the perspective of household portfolio choice, Internet use has a certain role in increasing the probability of portfolio diversification. However, among households that have invested in financial markets, those with a high-frequency use of the Internet do not show an impact on portfolio diversification.Originality/valueThis study complements existing research about the impact of Internet use or not on household financial market decisions and portfolio choice, expands the knowledge on the household financial market choice from the respective of the degree of Internet use.

Influence of Risky Internet Use on Physical Activity and Academic Burnout among Undergraduate Students

Objectives: In this study, we investigate the correlations between Internet use risk, physical activity, and academic burnout among undergraduate students. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 620 participants using tools like the Problematic and Risky Internet Usage Scale, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory Student version, and the Baecke tool. Results: Over two-thirds of participants had high risky Internet use, while about half had severe academic burnout. Most students had low physical activity levels, and males had a greater predisposition to the risk resulting from Internet addiction. There was a significant difference in academic burnout according to gender, with more academic burnout among males. Whereas both males and females had low physical activity levels, there was a statistically significant difference between their levels of physical activity. Conclusion: We recommend university decision-makers organize regular physical activities to prevent academic burnout and conduct workshops and lectures to highlight the value of physical activity.

Personality Traits and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Individuals with Internet Use Disorder - A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Aim: The aim is to evaluate the association of personality traits, online activities, and psychiatric comorbidities with the Internet use disorder. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 481 professional college students (18–25 years) pursuing graduation. Participants responded to an online questionnaire consisting of Young’s Internet addiction test, Internet Gaming Disorder scale-short form, Big Five inventory and behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system scales (BIS/BAS) scales, and subsequent in-clinic evaluation using MINI 7.0.2 questionnaire. Results: Of 481 college students, 175 (36.38%) had Internet use disorder. Of these, 115 were found to have mild, 57 moderate, and 3 severe Internet use disorders with a mean age of 20.85 ± 1.84 years and sex ratio of M:F: 0.9:1. The prevalence of Internet gaming disorder was found to be 0.42%. On multivariate logistic regression, use of chat rooms (odds ratio [OR] - 1.24), instant messaging (OR - 1.33), Internet gaming (OR - 1.25), and recreational surfing (OR - 1.25) were independent predictors for Internet use disorder. Among the personality traits, on multivariate logistic regression, neuroticism (OR - 1.06) and openness to experience (OR - 1.09) were positive predictors for the presence of Internet use disorder and moderate–severe Internet use, while conscientiousness (OR - 0.87) was negative predictor. 19.4% (34/175) of students had psychiatric comorbidities (1 comorbidity – 21 students, >1 comorbidities – 13 students); the most common being major depression (alone or in combination). Conclusions: In this study, neuroticism and openness to experience were found to be predictors of Internet use disorder as well as moderate–severe Internet use. In addition, the use of chat rooms, instant messaging, online gaming, and recreational surfing was associated with higher Internet use disorder. A large proportion of psychiatric comorbidities with Internet use disorder were found.

Factors affecting academic performance of college students in China during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional analysis.

Understanding the factors that affected academic performance of students during the COVID-19 pandemic will help design effective interventions for improving students' academic performance during emergency situations as well as during regular academic environment. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the factors that explain academic performance of students in China during the pandemic. Data on college students from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies were used, and the final sample consisted of 728 students. Ordered probit regression models were estimated to explain students' relative performance in the semester when the in-person classes were suspended by using various student and household-related variables and characteristics. To compute missing values in selected variables, a multiple imputation technique was applied. The odds of poor academic performance declined with higher Internet use for academic purposes, but Internet use for entertainment increased the probability of being in the poor academic performance. College students who spent more time studying on college work were less likely to have poor academic performance. This study identified the factors (Internet use and study time) associated with academic performance among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. These results can be used to design policies to improve educational outcomes and to address educational inequalities.

Who Communicates Well with Data: Examining Data Literacy among Pre‐service Secondary Teachers

ABSTRACTThe current study developed a data literacy instrument with 20 contextual questions and conducted a multi‐mode survey with 232 pre‐service secondary teachers in a university system. Three‐way ANOVA was used to test whether pre‐service teachers with different characteristics (i.e., field of study, library use, and Internet use) performed differently on data literacy. Pre‐service teachers got a decent overall percentage score. They performed better in “identifying problems” and “analyzing data” than in “transforming data” and “collecting data.” While pre‐service teachers in humanities and social sciences performed better in “identifying problems,” those in sciences performed better in “analyzing data.” Humanities pre‐service teachers with high Internet use scored significantly lower; social science pre‐service teachers with high Internet use and low library use scored significantly lower; science pre‐service teachers with low library use scored higher. Implications for future data literacy education and instrument design are discussed based on the preliminary findings.

Stress Testing Banks’ Digital Capabilities: Evidence from the COVID-19 Pandemic

AbstractBanks’ information technology (IT) capabilities affect their ability to serve customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, which generates an unexpected and unprecedented shock that shifts banking services from in-person to digital. Amid mobility restrictions, banks with better IT experience larger reductions in physical branch visits and larger increases in website traffic, implying a larger shift to digital banking. Stronger IT banks are able to originate more Paycheck Protection Program loans to small business borrowers, especially in areas with more severe COVID-19 outbreaks, higher internet use, and higher bank competition. Those banks also attract more deposit flows and receive better mobile customer reviews during the pandemic.

The economic burden of adolescent internet addiction: A Korean health cost case study

ABSTRACT While internet saturation is the source of a number of benefits, such as productivity increases and general economic growth, it has given rise to concerns over the emergence of a new clinical disorder: internet addiction. Noting the extent of high internet use amongst adolescents in the Republic of Korea, this paper provides some quantification regarding the extent of subsequent health costs upon adolescents in Korea. Using Korea-based health-effects and valuation studies, the authors project, and value in dollar figures, the number of internet addiction related cases of adolescent atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, obesity, depression, and suicides over a projected 15-year period. The results indicate that these health costs may be substantial: over $29 billion for the study period.

Association of the Extent of Internet Use by Patients With Cancer With Social Support Among Patients and Change in Patient-Reported Treatment Outcomes During Inpatient Rehabilitation: Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Study.

Given the increasing number of cancer survivors and their rising survival rates, rehabilitation plays an increasingly important role. Social support among patients is an essential element of inpatient and day care rehabilitation. The internet can empower patients with cancer to become more active health care consumers and facilitate information and supportive care needs. By contrast, therapists suspect that high internet use during rehabilitation may severely limit social interactions between patients, thus interfering with the patients' rehabilitation program and jeopardizing treatment success. We hypothesized that the extent of internet use would be negatively related to social support among patients with cancer during their clinical stay as well as fewer improvements in patient-reported treatment outcomes from the first to the last day of their clinical stay. Patients with cancer participated during their inpatient rehabilitation. Cross-sectional data, such as the extent of participants' internet use and perceived social support among patients, were collected during the last week of their clinic stay. The treatment outcomes, that is, participants' levels of distress, fatigue, and pain, were collected on the first and last day of the clinic stay. We used multiple linear regression analysis to study the association between the extent of internet use and social support among patients with cancer. We used linear mixed model analyses to study the association between the extent of internet use by patients with cancer and the change in patient-reported treatment outcomes. Of the 323 participants, 279 (86.4%) participants reported that they used the internet. The extent of the internet use (t315=0.78; P=.43) was not significantly associated with the perceived social support among the participants during their clinical stay. In addition, the extent of participants' internet use during their clinical stay was not associated with changes in participants' levels of distress (F1,299=0.12; P=.73), fatigue (F1,299=0.19; P=.67), and pain (F1,303=0.92; P=.34) from the first to the last day of their clinical stay. The extent of internet use does not seem to be negatively associated with the perceived social support among patients with cancer or with the change in patients' levels of distress, fatigue, or pain from the first to the last day of their clinical stay.

Internet use and its association with cases of depression in a tertiary care hospital

Objectives: The objective is to determine the association of pattern of Internet use with depression in the adult population.Methods: The case–control study was carried out at the psychiatry department of a tertiary care hospital from December 2019 to December 2020. The study included 140 participants (70 patients diagnosed with depression and 70 controls-normal individuals without depression). Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) was used to determine the severity of depression. The socio-demographic characteristics (age, sex, education, and marital status) and the Internet use parameters (duration of internet usage per day, years of use, type of Internet connection, gadget being used, location for using the Internet and websites) were compared between cases and controls to know the risk association of internet use with depression and its severity. P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results: Compared to controls, cases had significantly higher use of internet (6.8 ± 3.8 vs. 4.35 ± 3.97 h/week, P = 0.003) and overall years of internet use (5.94 ± 2.42 vs. 4.71 ± 2.22, P = 0.002) with odds ratio of 2.345 (95% confidence intervals [CIs] 1.267–4.325) and 3.217 (95% CIs 2.321–5.478), respectively. HDRS scale showed that there were 29 (41.43%) cases of mild depression, 39 (55.71%) cases of moderate depression and 2 (2.86%) cases of severe depression. A significant positive correlation was seen for Internet use (r = 0.759, P < 0.0001) and year using internet (r = 0.876, P < 0.0001) with the severity of depression.Conclusion: Increased duration of internet use holds a significantly higher odds of depression in the adult population. The severity of depression holds a direct relation to the increasing use of Internet.

Internet and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from the UK

Abstract With the COVID-19 pandemic, the internet has become a key player in the daily lives of most people. We investigate the relationship between mental health and internet use frequency and purpose, 6 months after the first lockdown in the UK, in September 2020. Using data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study on the 12-item General Health Questionnaire and the internet use module, and controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and personality traits, we find that older individuals (aged 59 years or above) have a lower internet use frequency (twice a day or less). Younger women use the internet for social purposes more than men do, while younger men use the internet for leisure-and-learning purposes more than women and older men do. Interestingly, high internet use is a protective factor for social dysfunction among younger women, but a risk factor for psychological distress among younger men. While leisure-and-learning purpose is a protective factor for social dysfunction among younger women, it is a risk factor for social dysfunction among younger men. Finally, loneliness seems to play a role: higher internet frequency use is a stronger protective factor for social dysfunction among younger women who feel lonelier but a stronger risk factor for mental health among younger men who feel lonelier.

The demographic and economic features: the nexus with internet use

The goal of this study was to examine the nexus between demographic dividend type and economic features with internet use. The data source was from the World Development Indicator of the World Bank. The unit analysis was country. The panel data analysis method were used for the examination, employing fixed effects regression models using country income level, country regional group, and year as identifiers. The random effects regression model, pooled least square model, and static generalized method of moments were utilized for robustness checks. The dependent variable was the percentage of population using the internet. The independent variables consisted of demographic and economic variables. The demographic variable was the demographic dividend type, while the economic variables were access to electricity, GDP, inflation rate, and foreign direct investment. The results of fixed effects regression indicate that after controlling for the economic features, higher internet use in a country was associated with late- and post-demographic dividend type. Higher internet use was also associated with higher access to electricity, higher GDP, lower inflation rate, and higher foreign direct investment inflow. Robustness checks using random-effects and pooled least square models, using fixed-effects model by country income level, using two-stage least square, and using second stage regression by G20 and non-G20 country group division and year, similarly gave consistent results. The association of internet use with the demographic and economic features may imply that population-based and economic development program should be enhanced toward the favorable ones that increase internet usage among the population.

The COVID-19 pandemic and problematic usage of the internet: Findings from a diverse adult sample in South Africa

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has led to increased reliance on the internet. How problematic usage of the internet (PUI) and COVID-19 related stress and other clinical variables relate, is unknown. We hypothesised that higher PUI level would be significantly associated with higher levels of: (i) pandemic-related stress; and (ii) impulsive and compulsive symptoms and traits. MethodsAn online community-based cross-sectional survey was used for data collection. Relationships between PUI level and other variables were characterised using correlational analyses. Regression analyses determined the cumulative explanatory power of variables, with partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to explore path loadings. ANOVA was used to investigate PUI level at varying lockdown levels. ResultsData from 2110 participants (64.5% female), aged 18–64 years (mean: 24.3, SD: 8.1) suggested that approximately a quarter (n = 489, 23.2%) had medium to high level internet use problems. Impulsive and compulsive symptoms and traits, pandemic-stress, and age were all significantly related to PUI (p < 0.01). These associations (medium effect sizes) cumulatively explained 29% of PUI variance. PLS-SEM indicated significant contributory effects, with the association between age and PUI level mediated by impulsivity, pandemic-stress and compulsivity. DiscussionPandemic-stress, impulsive-compulsive symptoms and traits and age were related to PUI level. Enhancing resilience to stress, particularly in vulnerable populations, through lifestyle changes and implementation of adaptive coping strategies, is key to reduce risk for PUI during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Abstract WMP39: Geographic Variation In The Prevalence Of Internet Use Among Us Men And Women With Stroke: Implications For Telerehabilitation

Background: Prior studies have identified sex, age, and geographic differences in post-stroke rehabilitation use in certain US areas. Internet use is an important prerequisite to the adoption of telerehabilitation, which has shown promise in equalizing access to follow-up care among stroke patients. We aimed to assess 30-day internet use disparities between male and female stroke patients by age and within each US state. Methods: We identified US adults 18y and older with a self-reported history of stroke from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys, a nationally representative dataset (2015-2017). Internet users were identified as those who responded “Yes” to the question, “Have you used the internet in the past 30 days?” Prevalence of internet use was compared between sex and age groups and by state. Survey weights were applied in all analyses. Results: Among 55260 individuals with stroke (57.5% women), 57.8% reported using the internet in the preceding 30 days. The overall prevalence of internet use was similar between women (58.2%, 95% CI: 57.0-59.4%) and men (57.4%, 95% CI: 56.1-58.8%). Female stroke patients had higher internet use than their male counterparts until age 65+y (all p&lt;0.0001, Figure 1a ). Substantial differences in internet use by state were found for women and men with stroke, with stroke survivors in Louisiana reporting the greatest difference (women 51% vs. men 36%) ( Figure 1b ). Conclusions: Overall, less than 60% of US stroke survivors reported recent internet use, with marked variation by sex, age, and across states. Study findings may inform individual state’s actions to improve internet use among women 65+y who bear a greater stroke burden yet have lower internet use than men. Efforts to increase internet use in specific stroke patient subgroups may facilitate future telerehabilitation expansion and help to reduce sex- and age-based disparities currently present in post-stroke care.

Latent Class Analysis of Obesogenic Behaviors among Korean Adolescents: Associations with Weight-Related Outcomes.

This study aimed to explore sex-specific latent class models of adolescent obesogenic behaviors (OBs), predictors of latent class membership (LCM), and associations between LCM and weight-related outcomes (i.e., weight status and unhealthy weight control behaviors). We analyzed nationally representative data from the 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey. To identify latent classes for boys (n = 29,841) and girls (n = 27,462), we conducted a multiple-group latent class analysis using eight OBs (e.g., breakfast skipping, physical activity, and tobacco product use). Moreover, we performed a multinomial logistic regression analysis and a three-step method to examine associations of LCM with predictors and weight-related outcomes. Among both sexes, the 3-class models best fit the data: (a) mostly healthy behavior class, (b) poor dietary habits and high Internet use class, and (c) poor dietary habits and substance use class. School year, residential area, academic performance, and psychological status predicted the LCM for both sexes. In addition, perceived economic status predicted the LCM for girls. The distribution of weight-related outcomes differed across sex-specific classes. Our findings highlight the importance of developing obesity prevention and treatment interventions tailored to each homogeneous pattern of adolescent OBs, considering differences in their associations with predictors and weight-related outcomes.

Gynecologic oncology patients are ready for telemedicine in routine care: Results from a pre-COVID survey

ObjectivesTo assess telemedicine readiness of gynecologic oncology patients, particularly those at risk for care access disparities (increased distance to care, rural populations.) MethodsPatients at all disease/treatment stages completed an anonymous survey during in-person outpatient appointments at an academic comprehensive cancer center from 1/6/2020 to 2/28/2020, conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, before the introduction of telemedicine in this practice. ResultsOf 180 patients approached, 170 completed the survey (94.4%). Mean age was 59.6 years; 73.4% identified as White, 23.7% Black, and 2.9% other race. Ovarian cancer was most common (41.2%), followed by endometrial (27.1%), cervical (20.6%), and vaginal/vulvar (7.1%). Most patients traveled > 50 miles for appointments (63.8%); they were more likely from rural counties with significantly higher travel costs/visit ($60.77 vs $37.98, p = 0.026.) The majority expressed interest in using telemedicine (75.7%) or a smartphone app (87.5%) in their care. The majority of patients with difficulty attending appointments (88.9 vs 70.2%, p = 0.02) or from rural counties (88.7% vs 69.6%, p = 0.03) were interested in telemedicine; those with both characteristics reported 100% interest. The majority in both urban and rural counties had home internet access, and reported similarly high rates of daily use (79% vs 75%). Race and age were not associated with differences in internet access or use or telemedicine interest. ConclusionsTelemedicine is attractive to the majority of patients and may offer financial/logistical advantages. Patients have high internet use rates and comfort with using technology for healthcare. Telemedicine should be incorporated into standard practice beyond the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce healthcare access disparities.

Stress, internet use, substance use and coping among adolescents, young-adults and middle-age adults amid the ‘new normal’ pandemic era

BackgroundGlobally, there is a constant state of flux amid the ‘new normal’ period of the COVID-19 pandemic. People try to accommodate to uncertainty, stress, and the threat of facing subsequent waves. It is crucial to explore and compare the psychological and behavioral processes of adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged adults amid such an era in a developing country like India. AimThe present study compared the stress, internet use, substance use, and coping among adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged adults amid India's ‘new normal’ era. MethodsA cross-sectional design was used on an online platform. The sample included 1027 participants [ 456 adolescents; 347 young adults, and 224 middle age-adults] using PerceivedStress Scale, Internet Gaming Disorders-9, DSM-5 Self-Rated Level-1, and Brief-COPE scale. ResultsResults showed moderate stress among all participants across all ages. Adolescent females perceived the highest stress (20.91, SD = 8.65); Adolescents reported higher internet use (Females: M = 3.59, S.D. = 2.44; Males: M = 3.40, S.D. = 2.30); Young and middle-aged adults Males reported significantly higher substance use (M = 1.60, S.D. = 2.96; M = 1.17, S.D. = 2.21). Maladaptive coping was used more by Young Adult Males (M = 10.83, S.D. = 4.66). Internet use was positively correlated with perceived stress (0.40) and maladaptive coping (0.40). Substance Use was also moderately positively correlated with maladaptive coping (0.38). DiscussionThe study reveals significant variations in perceived stress, internet use, substance use, and coping based on gender and age variations. Adolescent females were the most affected and reported high perceived stress, whereas middle-aged adults were the least affected. ConclusionThe study provides further avenues to understand the stress and coping in different sections of society amid the ‘new normal’ era. It also gives an idea about resilience and identifies the sections of society which require focused interventions.

Cybercrime Victimisation and Polyvictimisation in Finland—Prevalence and Risk Factors

This study examines the prevalence of different types of cybercrime victimisation and their shared risk factors among the population of Finland. We examine how respondents’ socio-economic background variables, past offline victimisation experiences, online activity, user skills, and protective measures impact the risk of the most common forms of online victimisation and online polyvictimisation. Our nationally representative survey data were collected from 5455 Finns aged 15 to 74 years (response rate 39%) as part of the Finnish National Crime Survey in 2018. According to our findings, the five most common forms of victimisation were malware, harassment, sexual harassment, hacking, and fraud. Online routines and exposure to potential offenders, along with past offline victimisation experiences, served as notable risk factors for a range of different victimisation experiences online. Our findings show slightly different SES risk factors for victimisation of different online offences, thereby indicating the diverse nature of different types of online victimisation. Our findings also show that young age, better financial situation, high internet use, and user skills, along with past offline victimisation of property crime and violence, associate with increased risk of online polyvictimisation. High user protection decreased the risk of online polyvictimisation.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Societal Infection Control Measures on Children and Adolescents' Mental Health: A Scoping Review.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is primarily a crisis that affects people's physical health. However, it is well-known from previous epidemics and pandemics that there are other indirect negative impacts on mental health, among others. The purpose of this scoping review was to explore and summarise primary empirical research evidence on how the COVID-19 pandemic and societal infection control measures have impacted children and adolescents' mental health.Methods: A literature search was conducted in five scientific databases: PubMed, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINHAL, and Social Science Premium Collection. The search string was designed using the Population (0–18 years), Exposure (COVID-19), Outcomes (mental health) framework. Mental health was defined broadly, covering mental well-being to mental disorders and psychiatric conditions.Results: Fifty-nine studies were included in the scoping review. Of these, 44 were cross-sectional and 15 were longitudinal studies. Most studies reported negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child and adolescent mental health outcomes, yet the evidence was mixed. This was also the case for studies investigating societal control measures. Strong resilience, positive emotion regulation, physical activity, parental self-efficacy, family functioning and emotional regulation, and social support were reported as protective factors. On the contrary, emotional reactivity and experiential avoidance, exposure to excessive information, COVID-19 school concerns, presence of COVID-19 cases in the community, parental mental health problems, and high internet, social media and video game use were all identified as potentially harmful factors.Conclusions: Due to the methodological heterogeneity of the studies and geographical variation, it is challenging to draw definitive conclusions about the real impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and adolescents. However, the existing body of research gives some insight to how parents, clinicians and policy makers can take action to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and control measures. Interventions to promote physical activity and reduce screen time among children and adolescents are recommended, as well as parenting support programs.

What Should I Trust? Individual Differences in Attitudes to Conflicting Information and Misinformation on COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic constitutes a novel threat and traditional and new media provide people with an abundance of information and misinformation on the topic. In the current study, we investigated who tends to trust what type of mis/information. The data were collected in Norway from a sample of 405 participants during the first wave of COVID-19 in April 2020. We focused on three kinds of belief: the belief that the threat is overrated (COVID-threat skepticism), the belief that the threat is underrated (COVID-threat belief) and belief in misinformation about COVID-19. We studied sociodemographic factors associated with these beliefs and the interplay between attitudes to COVID-19, media consumption and prevention behavior. All three types of belief were associated with distrust in information about COVID-19 provided by traditional media and distrust in the authorities' approach to the pandemic. COVID-threat skepticism was associated with male gender, reduced news consumption since the start of the pandemic and lower levels of precautionary measures. Belief that the COVID-19 threat is underrated was associated with younger age, left-wing political orientation, increased news consumption during the pandemic and increased precautionary behavior. Consistent with the assumptions of the theory of planned behavior, individual beliefs about the seriousness of the COVID-19 threat predicted the extent to which individual participants adopted precautionary health measures. Both COVID-threat skepticism and COVID-threat belief were associated with endorsement of misinformation on COVID-19. Participants who endorsed misinformation tended to: have lower levels of education; be male; show decreased news consumption; have high Internet use and high trust in information provided by social media. Additionally, they tended to endorse multiple misinformation stories simultaneously, even when they were mutually contradictory. The strongest predictor for low compliance with precautionary measures was endorsement of a belief that the COVID-19 threat is overrated which at the time of the data collection was held also by some experts and featured in traditional media. The findings stress the importance of consistency of communication in situations of a public health threat.