News coverage refers to the amount of attention and exposure a person, brand or business receives in different media platforms. This can include newspapers, magazines, television programs and online news websites. Getting covered by the media can help to increase brand awareness, build credibility and improve customer trust.
Breaking news coverage involves reporting on a real-world event as it unfolds. This often requires journalists to be on the scene of an incident to observe crucial details firsthand, communicate with witnesses and manage the pressure to report quickly. On-the-scene reporting is especially important when an event has the potential to create mass chaos, such as a natural disaster or political upheaval.
Many people turn to social media and news sites for information on the latest developments. This can have an impact on their mental wellbeing, especially if the content is distressing. For example, the Covid-19 pandemic has prompted a rise in a phenomenon known as “doomscrolling.” This is when people repeatedly scroll through news articles about the virus, which can lead to a spike in negative affect.
While previous studies have explored the psychological effects of breaking news, most focus on acute time-limited traumas like 9/11 and the Boston Marathon bombing. However, ongoing exposure to the pandemic may be different, and more research is needed.