Shaping health behavior and social connectedness during COVID-19 through media adaptation strategies in Indonesia

Abstract

Background

The role of media is not only to give information about social matters but it also has a significant role in educating health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.

Purpose

The present study investigated how media networks in Indonesia responded to the COVID-19 by providing adaptation strategies to prevent its effects. The current research aims were not only to foster awareness of health issues but also to analyze the role of media in changing public behavior and health concerns.

Methods

The study employs a qualitative research design and interviews were conducted with the general public, including those who were infected with COVID-19, students, and staff working in hospitals, educational institutions, and public service departments. The interviews were analyzed through thematic analysis.

Results

The study's findings reveal that the participants of the study adopted multiple adaptation strategies for the prevention of COVID-19 that have been introduced, including media accessibility for updates, online media engagement for social connectedness, highlighting public health issues, developing trust among communities, and providing social support through media.

Conclusion

The pandemic has brought certain changes in the living patterns of people in Indonesia, and the media has played a greater role by fostering public health information. Furthermore, there has been a significant increase in the usage of media communication channels to disseminate information about the virus and to provide guidance on how the spread can be prevented. The study concludes that media has expectedly contributed to shaping public behavior.