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Channels Adopted for Information Seeking during COVID-19: Comparing Social Media with News Media and Interpersonal Communication in Taiwan

Author

Listed:
  • Shu-Chu Sarrina Li

    (Institute of Communication Studies, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan)

  • Tai-Yee Wu

    (Institute of Communication Studies, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan)

  • Huai-Kuai Zeng

    (Institute of Communication Studies, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan)

  • Shih-Yu Lo

    (Institute of Communication Studies, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan)

Abstract

By adopting niche theory, this study compared social media with news media and interpersonal communication regarding their capabilities in satisfying people’s information needs of daily use, surveillance, convenience, and information quality during the outbreak of COVID-19. Two methods were adopted to collect data for this study: the first was to conduct 20 intensive interviews, and the second was to administer an online survey by contracting a professional polling company with a panel of 8.8 million members. The stratified random sampling method was used to acquire a representative sample, from which 1100 valid questionnaires were obtained. The results showed that: (1) Social media were superior to traditional news media in terms of its convenience. However, several new types of online news, such as Yahoo news, were able to compete with social media for convenience. (2) Interpersonal communication did not outperform in satisfying individuals’ needs for the four gratifications. Nevertheless, interpersonal communication plays the role of social support for individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Shu-Chu Sarrina Li & Tai-Yee Wu & Huai-Kuai Zeng & Shih-Yu Lo, 2022. "Channels Adopted for Information Seeking during COVID-19: Comparing Social Media with News Media and Interpersonal Communication in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:15:p:9321-:d:875848
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. John Dimmick & Yan Chen & Zhan Li, 2004. "Competition Between the Internet and Traditional News Media: The Gratification-Opportunities Niche Dimension," Journal of Media Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(1), pages 19-33.
    2. Nai-Ying Ko & Wei-Hsin Lu & Yi-Lung Chen & Dian-Jeng Li & Yu-Ping Chang & Peng-Wei Wang & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2020. "Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Constructs of COVID-19 Health Beliefs: A Comparison Between Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Individuals in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-10, June.
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