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COVID‑19 as an Informational Phenomenon: Results of a Media Analytical Study of Response of Internet Audience to Pandemic in the USA

https://doi.org/10.26794/2226-7867-2021-11-5-14-20

Abstract

The article presents the results of a media analytical study of the American Internet audience’s response to the spreading coronavirus pandemic. In particular, it concerns the cybermetric analysis of social media, which made it possible to identify the formed ambiguity in the assessments by American Internet users of events related to the coronavirus pandemic and analyse the process of constructing the coronavirus as an informational phenomenon. The epidemiological crisis has shaped new information trends in the geolocation of the virus, social distancing, hygiene and the use of individual types of protection, and the spread of information fakes. The study confirmed the thesis that social media can and should be used to support public health measures. Digital technologies help to overcome social constraints during mass quarantines and provide support for mental health, the formation of social solidarity in a society in a situation of social distancing and isolation. 

About the Authors

O. V. Yarmak
Sevastopol State University
Russian Federation

Cand. Sci. (Sociological Sciences), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Social Communications, 

Sevastopol



V. I. Barybina
Sevastopol State University
Russian Federation

Master’s student in sociology, 

Sevastopol



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Review

For citations:


Yarmak O.V., Barybina V.I. COVID‑19 as an Informational Phenomenon: Results of a Media Analytical Study of Response of Internet Audience to Pandemic in the USA. Humanities and Social Sciences. Bulletin of the Financial University. 2021;11(5):14-20. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26794/2226-7867-2021-11-5-14-20

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ISSN 2226-7867 (Print)
ISSN 2619-1482 (Online)