key: cord-277824-q7blp3we
authors: Bilal; Latif, Faiza; Bashir, Muhammad Farhan; Komal, Bushra
title: Role of electronic media in mitigating the psychological impacts of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
date: 2020-04-29
journal: Psychiatry Res
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113041
sha: 
doc_id: 277824
cord_uid: q7blp3we

The current research initiative focuses on the role of Pakistani media in eliminating panic and depression among health practitioners and the general public due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In Pakistan, electronic media is the most common source of information due to the higher rural population and the lower literacy rate and media's handling of COVID-19 coverage so far creates panic and depression. We suggest that special televised transmissions featuring psychologists and physiatrists should be aired to reduce the panic. Media also mitigates the stress of frontline medical staff by paying special attributes to them.

Abstract:

The current research initiative focuses on the role of Pakistani media in eliminating panic and depression among health practitioners and the general public due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus . In Pakistan, electronic media is the most common source of information due to the higher rural population and the lower literacy rate and media's handling of COVID-19 coverage so far creates panic and depression. We suggest that special televised transmissions featuring psychologists and physiatrists should be aired to reduce the panic. Media also mitigates the stress of frontline medical staff by paying special attributes to them.

Keywords: COVID-19; Media; Mental health.

During times of public crises, media must ensure to communicate crisis information efficiently and effectively to the general public, failing to do so will certainly lead to uncertainty, fear, and anxiety. In this era of advancement and technology with the general acceptance for freedom of speech, the role of media becomes indispensable in every respect. As today the world is suffering from ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, fear of getting infected is sweeping all over the globe. In this context, some sources may be of dire help and play their part in reducing the panic that has been caused due to an increase in the mortality rate all over the globe (Wit et al., 2011) . Media is the most powerful tool that can disseminate such campaigns to provide some relief from panic and boost the morale of the general public. There is a general acceptance of the fact that electronic and print media in South Asia are politically biased and tend to exploit scenarios like the current situation to win media wars. This is why we should focus on the role media to help reduce anxiety levels in the general public. History shows that there is a direct link between media and society. The basic motive of media is to inform society and to work for social welfare at a massive level as it targets the mass population. This particular study aims to study the role of Pakistani media in reducing the mental stress of the public and enhancing the motivation level of the healthcare service providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. (McKibbin & Fernando, 2020) . Media campaigns in Pakistan need to address the mental health of the public and there is a great need for special transmissions with health professionals and experts to provide advice and instructions for the public to cope with the current situation (Ali & Gatiti, 2020) . Pakistani media generally enjoys broadcasting freedom and has a strong impact on the day-to-day life of the general public. The current situation demands that they should play a positive role in this critical condition for the well-being of the general public. Psychologists, psychiatrists and healthcare professionals should be invited in the programs to guide the people about the COVID-19 with the aim to console and advise the general public on how to avoid stress so that they can cope with this deadly condition without affecting their mental health. Special televised campaigns aimed to boost the morale of the public should be given air time (Bhatia, 2018) .

Another dilemma of the current situation is the absence of schooling of children. Children are at home and are moved with the situation. The media is not on-airing any productive program for children which shows that Pakistani media is only limited to just one age group in society.

What about children who are the future of our society and are already suffering from boredom and depression during the current situation, therefore media should play its role in arranging some special programs aimed at promoting learning activities for children and it will be beneficial for the mental and physical developments of these children who are the future of 

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