INFORMATION EXPOSURE, CONSUMPTION, LIFESTYLE, AND INCLINATION TOWARDS BEHAVIOUR CHANGE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

This study focused on the role of information exposure, information consumption and individual lifestyle on the inclination towards behaviour change during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the number of individuals who breached the pre-determined SOP meant to curb the virus transmission kept on increasing even though the government had repeatedly reminded the citizen through various means of communication. This study aimed to answer, (i) what are the types of information exposure that would affect individual inclination towards behaviour change; (ii) what levels of information consumption would affect individual inclination towards behaviour change; and (iii) what types of lifestyles which would affect individual inclination towards behaviour change. An online survey through Google form was administered for a period of 30 days and the survey received 419 responses. Descriptive and correlation analysis were conducted. The findings showed that individuals who practised selective information exposure had significant relationship with behaviour change compared to individuals who practised news avoidance as well as individuals who actively sought information. In terms of consumption, individuals with moderate information consumption had significant and moderate relationship with inclination towards behaviour change as compared to individuals with basic and advanced information consumption. Individuals with the striver, experiencer and survivor types of lifestyles showed significant relationships with behaviour change during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study showed that there were other variables that could contribute to the behaviour change particularly in the context of health-related issues.