Problematic aspects of the media's influence on public opinion in the context of emergencies, using the example of the infodemic associated with the spread of COVID-19, and ways to address them

This work is devoted to studying the influence of modern mass media, including digital platforms and social networks, on the formation of public opinion during emergencies. Special attention is given to information crises related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the phenomenon of infodemic, which was accompanied by the active spread of misinformation and rumors. The mechanisms of media influence, such as framing, sensationalism, bias in information presentation, and the role of algorithms in shaping the information agenda, are considered. The analysis focuses on how these processes affect the perception of reality, public behavior, and decision-making in crisis conditions. The aim of the work is to identify problematic aspects of media activity and determine possible strategies to counteract the negative effects of the infodemic. This paper presents an overview of problematic aspects of the influence of modern media on the formation of public opinion in emergency situations, particularly in the context of the infodemic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employs a qualitative analysis method of scientific publications from 2020 to 2024, focusing on comparing foreign and domestic experiences in media analysis. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the systematization and generalization of existing approaches to analyzing media influence during emergencies, emphasizing the role of digital technologies in information dissemination and shaping the public agenda. The author highlights key risks and consequences of the infodemic, including a decline in trust in official sources, increased social anxiety, and polarization of public opinion. The work presents the structure of typical media patterns during crises and assesses the effectiveness of existing methods to counter misinformation. Conclusions are drawn about the necessity of enhancing media literacy among the population and implementing regulatory mechanisms capable of limiting the spread of unreliable information. The materials of the article may be useful for specialists in the field of media communications, social psychology, and information security.

infodemic, misinformation, doomscrolling, social media platforms, COVID-19, public perception, media influence, adaptive model, paternalistic model, gambling effect