Information seeking and information sharing during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Based on the risk information seeking and processing model, this study examines socio-psychological variables that influence the American public’s information seeking and information sharing at different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected through three surveys that spanned from February to April, 2020. Results indicate that people seek and share information mostly to fulfill social expectations regarding their own knowledge of the pandemic. Individuals who perceive information about the pandemic on social media as credible are more likely to share information. Those who view themselves as capable to gather information are more likely to seek information, but this perceived ability is related to information sharing only as the pandemic becomes more pertinent to Americans. Consistent with past research, people with higher risk perception report stronger affective response to the pandemic, which increases their information insufficiency. This need for information, however, is not consistently related to seeking and sharing.