Risk Communication in times of COVID -19: Public’s Perception in Sri Lanka

Abstract

In order for the public to make informed decisions during an emergency, they need to be equipped with accuracy, balance, impartial, and factual truth information. Thus, communication methods and news media play the role of creating an informed citizenry in times of emergency.  COVID-19 was termed a pandemic on March 11, 2020, by the WHO, and health officials released guidance, rules, and regulations for the public.  Thus, communication during the pandemic became crucial and society needed COVID-related information. Nevertheless, News Media dominated the scene by awaking the public regarding behavior, and methods to avoid contracting the virus, as well as mobilizing and empowering them. In this context, a problem arises as to whether News Media carried out its role as an emerging risk communicator effectively.  Thus, Emergency Risk Health Communication, Behavioral Change Communication, and Third Person concepts are applied to the study. The study employed a mixed research method for data collection and analysis purposes. The study found that the majority of the respondents faced a dilemma about what to do and were confused by the uncertain, ambiguous, emotional, and contradictory content of the COVID-19 messages. This study explored lack of expertise and professionalism in the mainstream media that contributed to the failure of COVID messages.