ISSN:
0341-2059
Content:
In the context of the long-lasting coronavirus crisis, this study examines the occurrence, causes, and consequences of issue fatigue - a phenomenon that refers to a feeling of annoyance with an issue that is repeated continually in the news. Using data obtained from a representative two-wave panel survey conducted online in April and May 2020 (n = 1,232) in Germany, the study employed a cross-lagged panel model to examine longitudinal relations. First, the results indicate that a considerable share of the German population already felt fatigued with the coronavirus issue in April, and that this proportion increased by May. Second, in terms of causes, the results show that perceptions of low news credibility and perceived "victimization" of other topics caused high levels of issue fatigue. However, effects of the reverse direction were also present, pointing to a mutual reinforcement of issue fatigue and media perceptions. Third, regarding consequences, the results reveal that recipients experiencing issue fatigue increasingly avoided coronavirus news, and also tended to disregard coronavirus hygiene rules.
In:
Communications, Berlin : de Gruyter, 1976, 48(2023), 1, Seite 130-153, 0341-2059
In:
volume:48
In:
year:2023
In:
number:1
In:
pages:130-153
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1515/commun-2021-0014
Author information:
Arlt, Dorothee 1981-
Author information:
Schumann, Christina 1980-
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