Public Information-Seeking Intentions on COVID-19 Risks: Considering the Role of Affective and Cognitive States

Abstract

Risk information represented by the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has garnered significant attention as a foundation for individuals to appraise threats and engage in protective actions. Although many opportunities exist to provide risk information to the public in a permanent form, little attention has been paid to active information-seeking behaviour. This study investigates the primary factors influencing the intent to seek information within the context of COVID-19 and delves into the mechanisms of the information-seeking process. We utilize a snowball sampling method to collect data. A total of 1300 people were selected from three universities, five companies, one hospital, and the local government as respondents. Based on a prior risk information-seeking model, a hypothetical model was developed that accentuates the pivotal role of affective states and cognitive conditions (encompassing perceived risk and perceived knowledge). The empirical results underscore the significance of cognitive states in forecasting affective and informational responses. Surprisingly, the intent to seek information is directly influenced by perceived knowledge but not by perceived risk. Additionally, information needs play a mediating role in the information-seeking process, underscoring the complex dynamics of seeking information in the context of COVID-19.