The Mental Health Implications of Viral News During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Closer Look

Sharma, Yogesh; Agarwal, Dr. Sandeep; Khaira, Nancy; Sijariya, Prof. Rajeev; Mishra, Aditya

doi:10.70381/23951737.v12.n1.2026.8

Abstract

This study examined the implications of breaking and viral news during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted the urgent need for policy interventions to curb misinformation and its negative psychological consequences. A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted to understand the impact of misinformation and fake news, particularly on mental health, and explored possible solutions for prevention and regulation. The findings revealed that media coverage of viral and breaking news had intensified psychological distress, manifesting in anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and uncertainty. The discussion also identified policy gaps, including low digital literacy and inadequate fact-checking infrastructure. The study emphasized developing stronger legal and technological frameworks, filtering and labelling news for authenticity, leveraging artificial intelligence tools, creating national communication and media literacy policies, involving schools and communities in awareness programs, and promoting media social responsibility (MSR).

Keywords: Media, Mental Health, Social Responsibility, COVID-19, Viral News

@article{sharmandmental, title = {The Mental Health Implications of Viral News During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Closer Look}, author = {Sharma, Yogesh and Agarwal, Dr. Sandeep and Khaira, Nancy and Sijariya, Prof. Rajeev and Mishra, Aditya}, journal = {International Journal of Academic Research \& Development}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, issn = {2395-1737}, doi = {10.70381/23951737.v12.n1.2026.8}, url = {https://doi.org/10.70381/23951737.v12.n1.2026.8}, publisher= {Bharti Publications}, }

TY - JOUR AU - Sharma, Yogesh AU - Agarwal, Dr. Sandeep AU - Khaira, Nancy AU - Sijariya, Prof. Rajeev AU - Mishra, Aditya TI - The Mental Health Implications of Viral News During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Closer Look T2 - International Journal of Academic Research & Development VL - 12 IS - 1 DO - 10.70381/23951737.v12.n1.2026.8 UR - https://doi.org/10.70381/23951737.v12.n1.2026.8 SN - 2395-1737 PB - Bharti Publications AB - This study examined the implications of breaking and viral news during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted the urgent need for policy interventions to curb misinformation and its negative psychological consequences. A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted to understand the impact of misinformation and fake news, particularly on mental health, and explored possible solutions for prevention and regulation. The findings revealed that media coverage of viral and breaking news had intensified psychological distress, manifesting in anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and uncertainty. The discussion also identified policy gaps, including low digital literacy and inadequate fact-checking infrastructure. The study emphasized developing stronger legal and technological frameworks, filtering and labelling news for authenticity, leveraging artificial intelligence tools, creating national communication and media literacy policies, involving schools and communities in awareness programs, and promoting media social responsibility (MSR). ER -

International Journal of Academic Research & Development

The Mental Health Implications of Viral News During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Closer Look

Abstract

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