Relationship Between Perceptions of COVID-19 and Social Media Use: A Cross-Sectional Study in Turkey

Objective: Although social networks offer a valuable opportunity to share the most up-to-date information and to assist in the management of the pandemic, they may also be associated with intensification of the societal concerns and fear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between perceptions of regarding the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), social media use and perceived stress in a community sample in Turkey. Methods: The target study population consisted of the healthcare workers of XXXX University and their close relatives/friends. Of the 1564 participants 375 were healthcare workers (24.0%), 481 were non-healthcare workers (30.8%), 297 were students (19.0%), 210 were unemployed subjects (13.4%), and 201 were retired (12.9%) individuals. For data collection sociodemographic form, Perception of COVID-19 (P-COVID-19), Perception of Causes of COVID-19 (PCa-COVID-19), Perception of Control of COVID-19 (PCo-COVID-19), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Social Network Addiction Scale (SNAS). The scales used were compared among the five groups that made up the sample. Results: Perception of COVID-19 dangerousness and contagiousness was significantly lower in retirees (p=0.003, p<0.001, respectively). "Macro control perception" regarding COVID-19, which evaluates whether countries or governments have taken adequate measures, was highest in healthcare workers (p<0.001). In other words, compared to other groups, healthcare workers think that the measures were taken at a sufficient level. Students had the highest perception of controllability regarding COVID-19 (p<0.001). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between SNAS scores and COVID-19 dangerousness perception scores in all five groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Stress increases the perception of dangerousness associated with COVID-19. Social networks have a significant impact on these perceptions, and COVID-19 can have a variety of effects on individuals who make up the society.