Danes felt better informed than Swedes despite identical COVID media diets
A study comparing how Danes and Swedes consumed pandemic information found both countries relied equally on traditional media and social feeds, yet Danes reported significantly more positive effects from the information they received. The finding suggests government communication strategy—not information access—shapes public perception during crises.
Originaltitel: Perceptions and effects of COVID-19 related information in Denmark and Sweden: a web-based survey about COVID-19 and social media
<p><strong>Aim:</strong> Extensive COVID-19 information can generate information overload and confusion. Denmark and Sweden adopted different COVID-19 management strategies.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> This study aimed to compare search strategies, perceptions and effects of COVID-19 information, in general and specifically in social media, in residents in Denmark and Sweden.</p><p><strong>Subject and methods:</strong> = 616) from Denmark and Sweden on an international web-based survey was analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The results showed similarities between the countries regarding preferred and trusted information sources, use of (social) media, and psychosocial and behavioural effects of such information. Traditional media and social media were frequently used for COVID-19 information. Especially health authorities and researchers were trusted sources, representing the dominant medico-political discourse. There were no differences in negative effect and social behaviour. Residents in Denmark experienced significantly more positive effects than residents in Sweden.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Summarily, the study showed similarities and small differences among residents in both countries related to usage patterns, perceptions and effects of COVID-19 information from (social) media, despite diverging strategies.</p>