The role of media in the COVID-19 pandemic period in terms of effective health care management

Abstract

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to handle the role of the media from a sociological point of view focusing on the management of the coronavirus pandemic and the crisis caused by this pandemic, with an effective health management. Material and Methods: In this study, the qualitative method has been adopted, and online ethnography and visual document analysis techniques have been used. For this purpose, visual and written materials, and mottos were examined in cyberspace and in conventional media. Results: Media has a significant role in managing health care effectively during the pandemic since it has the instruments to influence individuals and public. However, both conventional and new media ignores the social and economic disparities but underlines the personal dimension instead by creating an infodemic situation and using the pandemic as a source of info-tainment in their representations regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Conclusion: It is concluded that mass media has been a very frequently used tool for getting and sharing information since the very beginning of the pandemic. Therefore, it is clear that objective and correct information provided by the media is vital for an effective health care management during the pandemic. However, the manipulative facade of media is very vivid on especially the issues of ignoring inequalities, burdening the individual with the whole responsibility of his/her health behaviors, conveying conspiracy theories and leading to an infodemic. © 2021, Duzce University Medical School. All rights reserved.