Wissen um Corona : Wissenschaftskommunikation, Informationsverhalten, Diskurs

Abstract

The importance of science communication has come into sharper focus during the global COVID-19 pandemic, as the dissemination of information is crucial for the acceptance and implementation of corresponding measures. To adequately respond to the increased need for information, the question arises as to which media formats and channels are used in times of crisis and which information is trusted. As highlighted in this interdisciplinary volume with contributions from linguistics, communication studies, information science, and psychology, COVID-19-specific information behavior depends on various factors, including one’s own risk perception, general health literacy, specialized background, and familiarity with specific media. Expanding the German context to the international level also reveals that the dissemination of COVID-19-related knowledge varies both in terms of national information policies and the respective COVID-19 discourse. In addition to established media such as television and newspapers, social media is also gaining importance in the search for information. With their multimodal design and interaction possibilities, they offer space for new, dialogue-oriented communication formats, but also for the spread of misinformation. The seven scientific contributions on information behavior and science communication are complemented by three short contributions for the interested public, which strive to present research findings on information behavior and science communication in an understandable manner.