Media and Mental Health: Examining the impact of Information Overload during COVID-19 and Creating awareness on fake-information through the #CheckTheFake campaign of ARMT

The COVID-19 pandemic brought an unprecedented surge in the consumption of both traditional and social media as individuals sought information on the evolving crisis. This research examines the impact of information overload on the mental health in India, more particularly among the students, a population vulnerable to the psychological effects of the pandemic. Drawing from surveys, interviews, and existing literature, the study highlights how excessive exposure to pandemic-related content triggered anxiety, stress, and feelings of helplessness among the communities. The 24X7 media cycle, combined with sensationalisation of the news reporting and the unregulated spread of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation on social media platforms, exacerbated mental health challenges.

The findings from a triangular method of quantitative data of 562 respondents, discourse analysis of a month-long campaign on fake information and qualitative data gathered through FGDs reveal that while media served as a vital source of information and connection, its overwhelming nature contributed to cognitive fatigue, reduced academic performance, and impaired emotional well-being. Social media platforms amplified ‘doomscrolling’, a habit that intensified negative emotions, while traditional media’s repetitive focus on alarming statistics heightened anxiety, depression and nervousness. Additionally, the study explores forwarding the fake contents strategised by different sources, such as digital detoxes and reliance on curated content, to mitigate the adverse effects.

The research concludes by recommending the promotion of digital literacy, responsible media consumption habits, and the development of media guidelines to foster balanced and accountable reporting during health crises. These measures aim to empower communities and mitigate the mental health impact of future information surges. The research also provides a discourse analysis of the #CheckTheFake – a monthlong campaign to create awareness about fake information initiated by Dr Anamika Ray Memorial Trust in India.