1Department of Mass Communication, Delta State University, Nigeria
2Department of Mass Communication, Delta State University, Nigeria
3Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nigeria
*Correspondence to: Joel Chinedum Ugwuoke, Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria
Joshua Aghogho Erubami is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Delta State University, Nigeria. His field of scientific interest focuses on multimedia journalism, health communication, and the deployment of new media technologies for development purposes in Africa.
Social media technologies have become significant sources of public health information, especially in times of infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19. Using online survey data collected from social media users in Nigeria, this study investigates the influence of social media exposure for COVID-19 risk information on risk perception and affective responses towards the outbreak of COVID-19. It also explores gender and information sources’ roles in the construction of perceived risk towards the pandemic. Findings showed that social media exposure tends to significantly influence risk perception, fear, and anger towards COVID-19, which varies across gender. However, social media's COVID-19 information sources are not significant predictors of public risk perception and affective responses towards COVID-19. Therefore, public health stakeholders should ensure correct health information to reduce panic and increase volitional control in public during risky situations.
Coronavirus, Emotional appraisal, Online news, Public health, Risk communication, Web 2.0
