Information Behavior During the Covid-19 Crisis in German-Speaking Countries

TL;DR

This study examines how the Covid-19 pandemic affected information-seeking behaviors in German-speaking countries, highlighting increased demand for reliable sources, satisfaction levels, and issues of information overload.

Contribution

It provides empirical insights into changes in information behavior during Covid-19 in German-speaking countries based on survey data.

Findings

Increased use of public broadcasting and newspapers during Covid-19.

Majority of participants were satisfied with Covid-19 information supply.

Information overload led to reduced media consumption among some participants.

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of the Covid-19 crisis at the level of individual information behavior, based on an online survey among 308 participants from the German-speaking countries Austria, Germany and Switzerland in April and May 2020. The results show first that the Covid-19 crisis has led to an increased demand for reliable information. This goes alongside a significant increased use of public broadcasting, newspapers and information provided by public organizations. Second, the majority (84%) of the participants reported being satisfied with the information supply during the Covid-19 crisis. Participants who were less satisfied with the information supply used reliable sources significantly less frequently, specifically public television, national newspapers and information provided by public organizations. Third, the amount of Covid-19-related information led some participants to a feeling of information overload, which resulted in a reduction of information seeking and media use.