Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes

Fieldwork took place 11-13 September, asking people about their habits and attitudes in the previous seven days. Comparisons are mainly with week one of the research, when fieldwork took place on 27-29 March, just after the Prime Minister had announced lockdown measures.

Consumption of news and information about Covid-19

• More than eight in ten people (84%) are accessing news about Covid-19 at least once a day (vs. 99% in week one). Over 65s are most likely to access news about Covid-19 at least once a day (91%) and 16-24s are least likely (77%). Less than one in twenty (4%) are now accessing news about the pandemic at least twenty-five times a day (vs. 24% in week one).
• Three in ten respondents (32%) say they are ‘trying to avoid news about the coronavirus’ (vs. 22% in week one). Those aged 25-34 are most likely to say they are avoiding news about the coronavirus (45%). There is no difference by gender during this week, whereas previously, we have seen that female respondents are more likely than male respondents to say they are avoiding news on the topic.
• Among adult internet users, traditional media sources (broadcasters, newspapers, radio) remain the most-used source of news and information about Covid-19 (84% in week twenty-five vs. 93% in week one) and the most important source of news and information to users (64% in week twenty-five vs. 71% in week one). Over 65s are more likely to use traditional media (96%) compared to 18-24s (73%).
• Compared to week one, use of social media as a source of information about the pandemic has decreased (38% in week twenty-five vs. 49% in week one), as has use of closed messenger groups (9% vs. 15%). However, for both of these sources, they have increased against week twenty. Social media is still being used more amongst the younger people than older people - half of 16-24s compared to 22% of over 65s. It is also considered as a more important source of news about the coronavirus; 15% of 18-24s, compared to only 1% of over-65s consider it their most important news source. There has also been a decrease in sharing news or information about Covid-19 via social media posts (13% in week twenty-five vs. 25% in week one) or by writing in closed messenger groups (14% vs. 34%). A quarter (24%) now say they have not shared any information or news about Covid-19, either online or by word of mouth in the last week, compared to 11% in week one.
• In week twenty, respondents were asked whether they agreed with the statement ‘I feel confident that I understand the statistics and data used to provide the number of coronavirus cases and deaths’. In week twenty-five, just over half (55%) of respondents agreed with the statement and 20% disagreed which are similar to the results in week twenty. As in week twenty, male respondents were more likely (61%) than female respondents (50%) to agree with the statement. People living in Scotland (66%) are also more likely to agree with this statement.

Misinformation related to Covid-19

• In week twenty-five, 27% of respondents say they have come across false or misleading information about Covid-19 in the last week; there has been a gradual decrease from a peak of 50% in weeks three and five and from 46% in week one. 25-34s are the most likely to come across false or misleading information (36%) compared with 21% of over 65s. Almost a third of (31%) of male respondents came across false or misleading information compared to 23% of female respondents. Just 4% of those who saw misleading information in the last week say they forwarded or shared it (vs. 7% in week one).
• The most common piece of misinformation respondents came across in the last week (from a select list) is ‘face masks/ coverings offer no protection/ or are harmful’. Three in ten (28%) of respondents said they came across this claim. One in five (21%) of respondents reported coming across claims that ‘The number of deaths linked to coronavirus is much lower in reality than is being reported’ compared to 27% in week twenty when it was first asked. A similar proportion (18%) were also coming across claims about a ‘lower number of cases in reality than being reported’.
• There has been a decrease in respondents coming across ‘theories linking the origins or causes of Covid-19 to 5G technology’ with only 15% of respondent reporting seeing it in week twenty-five compared to 21% in week fourteen and 50% in week three when it was first asked. One in twenty (6%) respondents came across claims about ‘Injecting disinfectant/ bleach’, a decrease from 22% in week ten. One in five (20%) of respondents had come across ‘Claims about potential dangers of a coronavirus vaccination’ in line with results from week nine when it was first asked (18%). Less than one in ten (7%) came across ‘schoolchildren can be tested and detained without their parents’ permission’.
• A quarter (27%) of respondents say that seeing false or misleading information has made them think twice about the issue, which is in line with week twenty (25%). Those aged 25-34 were most likely to say that false or misleading information had made them think twice (42%) compared to 19% of 45-54s.
• In week twenty-five, 82% of respondents who use social media say they came across information about the coronavirus from official sources in the form of banners, pop-ups and upfront notices (either each time (15%), most times (27%) or sometimes (41%) when they go onto social media). Half of respondents (49%) that use social media said that they have come across ‘news/ info that have warnings/ notices from the platform attached, saying that the info may be untrustworthy/ untrue’. Of those that came across these warnings/ notices about content half (49%) reported clicking through to view the content being flagged in this way.
• Most respondents agreed that ‘untrue stories about the coronavirus should not be posted or shared on social media’ (82%) with only 7% disagreeing. One in five (21%) of respondents agreed that ‘people and organisations have a right to say what they want on social media about the coronavirus, even if it might not be true’. A third (34%) of 18-24s agree that people and organisations have the right to say what they want about the coronavirus even if it’s untrue compared to only 9% of over 65s. One in five (19%) of respondents also agree that ‘it’s OK for untrue stories about coronavirus to be posted and shared on social media, as long as they flagged as potentially untrustworthy/ untrue by the social media platform’.

Attitudes and behaviour related to Covid-19

• Almost a third (31%) of respondents agree with the statement ‘I am confused about what I should be doing in response to the coronavirus’. This is an increase from 17% in week one. One in four (42%) of 18-24s agree with the statement compared to 26% of over 65s.
• Four in ten (40%) say they ‘find it hard to know what is true and what is false about the coronavirus’, which is exactly the same proportion in week one. More female respondents (45%) say they find it hard to know what’s true or false compared to male respondents (35%). Almost half of 25-34s were the most likely to agree with the statement (48%). Over a third (37%) of ABC1 households say they ‘find it hard to know what is true and what is false about the coronavirus’ compared to 43% of in C2DE households.
• The NHS remains one of the most trusted sources for information on Covid-19. The same proportion in week twenty-five who use it for information say they trust it compared to week one (95%). A clear majority of respondents using official sources continue to trust the information provided by official scientists (88% in week twenty-five vs. 90% in week one), local health services (93% vs. 92%) and the WHO (86% vs. 94%). Whilst almost eight in ten (77%) trust information provided by the UK Government, this has decreased from nine in ten (91%) in week one).
• A quarter of respondents (25%) say they think ‘the mainstream media is exaggerating the seriousness of the coronavirus’, compared to 17% in week one. Three in ten male respondents agreed with this statement, compared to 20% of female respondents. A third of those aged 25-44 agreed with the statement compared to one in six (17%) over 65s. A third (33%) of people living in Yorkshire and Humberside agreed, whereas only 16% of people living in Scotland agreed with this statement.
• Most respondents (69%) continue to think that ‘this crisis is showing some positive sides of society (e.g. more local/community spirit, support for the NHS)’ (although it is a decrease vs. 86% in week one). Those aged 55-64 are most likely to agree the crisis is showing positive sides to society (77%) compared to 63% of 18-24s.
• In week twenty, respondents were asked whether they would be ‘comfortable to be vaccinated against the coronavirus if there was a vaccine approved by the NHS available tomorrow’. In week twenty-five, two thirds of respondents (68%) agreed with the statement and 17% disagreed which is in line with week twenty. Over 65s were the most likely to agree with the statement (82%) compared to 56% of 25-34s.
• In week twenty-five, parents were asked if ‘on balance, they were comfortable that their child/children is/are back at school’. Just over half (55%) of parents agreed with this statement, and one in five (20%) disagreed.
• Nearly all respondents still say they are closely following official guidance about regular handwashing (87% in week twenty-five vs. 96% in week one), practising social distancing (92% vs. 98%) and wearing a face mask/ covering where relevant (93% which is the same as in week twenty). Over 65s are most likely to say they are following advice on social distancing (98%) compared to 84% of 16-24s.
• Finally, respondents reported ‘Maintaining social distancing when outside’ (71%) and ‘Washing hands regularly and thoroughly’ (67%) as the two most important pieces of official advice (combining 1st, 2nd and 3rd rankings). Over half of respondents (56%) think that wearing a face mask/ covering is important, which has more than doubled since week fourteen (21%).

Fieldwork took place 7–9 August, asking people about their habits and attitudes in the previous seven days. Comparisons are with week one of the research, when fieldwork took place on 27–29 March, just after the Prime Minister had announced lockdown measures.

Consumption of news and information about Covid-19

• More than eight in ten people (83%) are accessing news about Covid-19 at least once a day (vs. 99% in week one). Over 65s are most likely to access news about Covid-19 at least once a day (94%) and 16-34s are least likely (75%). Less than one in twenty (4%) are now accessing news about the pandemic at least twenty times a day (vs. 24% in week one).
• Three in ten respondents (29%) say they are ‘trying to avoid news about the coronavirus’ (vs. 22% in week one). Those aged 18-24 are most likely to say they are avoiding news about the coronavirus (42%). Female respondents (32%) are more likely than male respondents (27%) to say they are avoiding news on the topic.
• Among adult internet users, traditional media sources (broadcasters, newspapers, radio) remain both the most-used source of news and information about Covid-19 (82% in week twenty vs. 93% in week one) and the most important source of news and information to users (62% in week twenty vs. 71% in week one). Over 65s are more likely to use traditional media (93%) compared to 16-24s (67%).
• Compared to week one, use of social media as a source of information about the pandemic has decreased (29% in week twenty vs. 49% in week one), as has use of closed messenger groups (5% vs. 15%). Almost half (44%) 16-24s use social media as a source of news about the coronavirus compared to only 15% of over 65s. Social media is considered as their most important source of news about the coronavirus by 11% of 16-24s, which is higher than for any other age group, and only 2% of over-65s consider it their most important news source. There has also been a decrease in sharing news or information about Covid-19 via social media posts (9% in week twenty vs. 25% in week one) or by writing in closed messenger groups (11% vs. 34%). A third (32%) now say they have not shared any information or news about Covid-19, either online or by word of mouth in the last week, compared to 11% in week one.
• In week twenty respondents were asked whether they agreed with the statement “I feel confident that I understand the statistics and data used to provide the number of coronavirus cases”. Just over half (52%) of respondents agreed with the statement and 22% disagreed. Male respondents were more likely (57%) than female respondents (47%) to agree with the statement.

Misinformation related to Covid-19

• In week twenty, 27% of respondents say they have come across false or misleading information about Covid-19 in the last week; there has been a gradual decrease from a peak of 50% in weeks three and five and from 46% in week one. 16-24s are the most likely to come across false or misleading information (32%) compared with 27% of over 65s. Just 3% of those who saw misleading information in the last week say they forwarded or shared it (vs. 7% in week one).
• The most common piece of misinformation respondents came across in the last week (from a select list) is ‘face masks/ coverings offer no protection/ or are harmful’. Three in ten (30%) of respondents said they came across this claim. There has been a decrease in respondents coming across ‘theories linking the origins or causes of Covid-19 to 5G technology’ with only 15% of respondent reporting seeing it in week twenty compared to 21% in week fourteen and 50% in week three when it was first asked. One in five (22%) of respondents reported coming across claims that ‘The number of deaths linked to coronavirus is much lower in reality than is being reported’, 18-24s were most likely to see this claim (27%). One in ten (9%) respondents came across claims about ‘Injecting disinfectant/ bleach’, a decrease from 22% in week ten. Less than one in five (16%) of respondents had come across ‘Claims about potential dangers of a coronavirus vaccination’ in line with results from week nine when it was first asked (18%).
• A quarter (25%) of respondents say that seeing false or misleading information has made them think twice about the issue. Younger people (18-34s) were most likely to say that false or misleading information had made them think twice (35%) compared to only 16% of over 65s.
• In week twenty, 73% of respondents who use social media say they came across information about the coronavirus from official sources in the form of banners, pop-ups and upfront notices (either each time/most times or sometimes when they use social media). 45% of respondents that use social media said that they have come across “news/ info that have warnings/ notices from the platform attached, saying that the info may be untrustworthy/ untrue”. Of those that came across these warnings/ notices about content half (51%) reported clicking through to view the content being flagged in this way.
• Most respondents agreed that “untrue stories about the coronavirus should not be posted or shared on social media” (82%) with only 7% disagreeing. One in five (19%) of respondents agreed that “people and organisations have a right to say what they want on social media about the coronavirus, even if it might not be true”. Over a quarter (28%) of 18-24s agree that people and organisations have the right to say what they want about the coronavirus even if it’s untrue compared to only 9% of over 65s. 17% of respondents agree that “it’s OK for untrue stories about coronavirus to be posted and shared on social media, as long as they flagged as potentially untrustworthy/ untrue by the social media platform”.

Attitudes and behaviour related to Covid-19

• Around one quarter (27%) of respondents agree with the statement ‘I am confused about what I should be doing in response to the coronavirus’. This is an increase from 17% in week one. More than a third (36%) of 18-24s agree with the statement compared to 22% of over 65s.
• Four in ten (38%) say they ‘find it hard to know what is true and what is false about the coronavirus’, similar to the proportion in week one (40%). Four in ten female respondents (42%) say they find it hard to know what’s true or false, compared to 32% of male respondents. 35-44s were the most likely to agree with the statement (43%). 34% of those in ABC1 households say they ‘find it hard to know what is true and what is false about the coronavirus’ compared to 42% of those in C2DE households.
• A quarter of respondents (23%) say they think ‘the mainstream media is exaggerating the seriousness of the coronavirus’, compared to 17% in week one. Over a quarter (27%) of male respondents agreed with this statement, compared to 20% of female respondents. One in eight (14%) over 65s agreed with the statement compared to 31% of those aged 25-34.
• Most respondents (69%) continue to think that ‘this crisis is showing some positive sides of society (e.g. more local/community spirit, support for the NHS)’ (although it is a decrease vs. 86% in week one). Those aged over 65 are most likely to agree the crisis is showing positive sides to society (77%) compared to 59% of 18-24s.
• In week twenty respondents were asked whether they would be “comfortable to be vaccinated against the coronavirus if there was a vaccine approved by the NHS available tomorrow”. Two thirds of respondents agreed with the statement and 15% disagreed. Over 65s were the most likely to agree with the statement (83%) compared to 58% of 35-44s.
• Nearly all respondents still say they are closely following official guidance about regular handwashing (88% in week twenty vs. 96% in week one), practising social distancing (92% vs. 98%) and wearing a face mask/ covering where relevant (93%). Over 65s are most likely to say they are following advice on social distancing (98%) compared to 82% of 18-24s.
• Finally, respondents reported ‘Maintaining social distancing when outside’ (71%) and ‘Washing hands regularly and thoroughly’ (69%) as the two most important pieces of official advice (combining 1st, 2nd and 3rd rankings). Over half of respondents (52%) think that wearing a face mask/ covering is important, which has more than doubled since week fourteen (21%).

Fieldwork took place 26-28 June, asking people about their habits and attitudes in the previous seven days. Comparisons are with week one of the research, when fieldwork took place on 27-29 March, just after the Prime Minister had announced lockdown measures.

Consumption of news and information about Covid-19

• More than eight in ten people (85%) are still accessing news about Covid-19 at least once a day (vs. 99% in week one). Over 55s are most likely to access news about Covid-19 at least once a day (91%) and 16-24s are least likely (77%). Less than one in twenty (4%) are now accessing news about the pandemic at least twenty times a day (vs. 24% in week one).
• Around a third of respondents (32%) say they are ‘trying to avoid news about the coronavirus’ (vs. 22% in week one). As in previous weeks those aged 25-34 are most likely to say they are avoiding news about the coronavirus (46%). Female respondents (35%) are more likely than male respondents (29%) to say they are avoiding news on the topic.
• Among adult internet users, traditional media sources (broadcasters, newspapers, radio) remain both the most-used source of news and information about Covid-19 (87% in week fourteen vs. 93% in week one) and the most important source of news and information to users (67% in week fourteen vs. 71% in week one). Over 55s are more likely to use traditional media (94%) compared to 16-24s (81%).
• Compared to week one, use of social media as a source of information about the pandemic has decreased (37% in week fourteen vs. 49% in week one), as has use of closed messenger groups (6% vs. 15%). More than half (56%) 16-24s use social media as a source of news about the coronavirus compared to only 19% of over 65s. Social media is considered as their most important source of news about the coronavirus by 14% of 16-24s, which is higher than for any other age group, and only 1% of over-65s consider it their most important news source. There has also been a decrease in sharing news or information about Covid-19 via social media posts (13% in week fourteen vs. 25% in week one) or by writing in closed messenger groups (17% vs. 34%). A fifth (21%) now say they have not shared any information or news about Covid-19, either online or by word of mouth in the last week, compared to 11% in week one.

  Misinformation related to Covid-19

• In week fourteen, 29% of respondents say they have come across false or misleading information about Covid-19 in the last week; this is down from a peak of 50% in weeks three and five and from 46% in week one. 16-24s are the most likely to come across false or misleading information (38%) compared with 24% of over 55s. Those in ABC1 households are also more likely (32%) to come across misleading information than those in C2DE households (25%). Just 4% of those who saw misleading information in the last week say they forwarded or shared it (vs. 7% in week one).
• The most common piece of misinformation respondents came across in the last week (from a select list) is ‘theories linking the origins or causes of Covid-19 to 5G technology’. There has been a decrease in the proportion of respondents coming across this, from 50% in week three when it was first asked, to 21% in week fourteen. A quarter (26%) of 16-24s they say have come across ‘theories linking the origins or causes of Covid-19 to 5G technology’ compared to 17% of over 65s.
• In week fourteen, 75% of respondents who use social media say they came across information about the coronavirus from official sources in the form of banners, pop-ups and upfront notices (either each time/most times or sometimes when they use social media). 41% of respondents that use social media said that they have come across “news/ info that have warnings/ notices from the platform attached, saying that the info may be untrustworthy/ untrue”.
• A quarter (27%) of respondents say that seeing false or misleading information has made them think twice about the issue. Younger people (16-24s) were most likely to say that false or misleading information had made them think twice (36%) compared to only 20% of over 65s.
• Most respondents agreed that “untrue stories about the coronavirus should not be posted or shared on social media” (84%) with only 6% disagreeing. Only 17% of respondents agreed that “people and organisations have a right to say what they want on social media about the coronavirus, even if it might not be true”. Almost a quarter (24%) of 25-34s agree that people and organisations have the right to say what they want about the coronavirus even if it’s untrue compared to only 9% of over 65s. Just under a fifth (18%) of respondents agree that “it’s OK for untrue stories about Coronavirus to be posted and shared on social media, as long as they flagged as potentially untrustworthy/ untrue by the social media platform”.

  Attitudes and behaviour related to Covid-19

• Around one quarter (24%) of respondents agree with the statement ‘I am confused about what I should be doing in response to the coronavirus’. This is an increase from 17% in week one. Three in ten (30%) of 16-24s agree with the statement compared to 24% of over 65s.
• The NHS remains the most trusted source for information on Covid-19. More than nine in ten adults who use it for information say they trust it (91% in week fourteen vs. 95% in week one). A clear majority of respondents using official sources continue to trust the information provided by official scientists (86% in week fourteen vs. 90% in week one), local health services (82% vs. 92%), the WHO (81% vs. 94%) and the UK government (77% vs. 89%).
• A third (33%) say they ‘find it hard to know what is true and what is false about the coronavirus’, lower than the proportion in week one (40%). Four in ten female respondents (38%) say they find it hard to know what’s true or false, compared to 28% of male respondents. 39% of 25-34s agreed with the statement, compared to 31% of over 65s. 30% of those in ABC1 households say they ‘find it hard to know what is true and what is false about the coronavirus’ compared to 37% of those in C2DE households.
• Nearly all respondents still say they are closely following official guidance about regular handwashing (88% in week fourteen vs. 96% in week one) and practising social distancing (93% vs. 98%). Over 55s are most likely to say they are following advice on social distancing (97%) compared to 83% of 18-24s.
• Respondents reported "Staying at home as much as possible’ (60%), ‘Maintaining social distancing when outside’ (66%) and ‘Washing hands regularly and thoroughly’ (69%) as the three most important pieces of official advice (combining 1st, 2nd and 3rd rankings). Over 55s say they think social distancing is most important (74%) compared to 58% of 18-24s. Respondents aged over 65 (72%) thought handwashing the most important compared to 61% of 18-24s.
• A fifth of respondents (20%) say they think ‘the mainstream media is exaggerating the seriousness of the coronavirus’, compared to 17% in week one. Almost a quarter (23%) of male respondents agreed with this statement, compared to 17% of female respondents. One in seven (13%) over 65s agreed with the statement compared to 25% of those aged 25-34.

Finally, most respondents (75%) continue to think that ‘this crisis is showing some positive sides of society (e.g. more local/community spirit, support for the NHS)’ (vs. 86% in week one). Those aged over 65 are most likely to agree the crisis is showing positive sides to society (80%) compared to 70% of 16-24s.

Fieldwork took place 12-15 June, asking people about their habits and attitudes in the previous seven days. Comparisons are with week one of the research, when fieldwork took place on 27-29 March, just after the Prime Minister had announced lockdown measures.

Consumption of news and information about Covid-19

• Almost nine in ten respondents (89%) are still accessing news about Covid-19 at least once a day (vs. 99% in week one). Over 55s are most likely to access news about Covid-19 at least once a day (94%) and 16-24s are least likely (81%). Only one in twenty (5%) are now accessing news about the pandemic at least twenty times a day (vs. 24% in week one).
• Around a third of respondents (34%) say they are ‘trying to avoid news about the coronavirus’ (vs. 22% in week one). As in previous weeks those aged 25-34 are most likely to say they are avoiding news about the coronavirus (44%). Female respondents (37%) are more likely than male respondents (30%) to say they are avoiding news on the topic.
• Among adult internet users, traditional media sources (broadcasters, newspapers, radio) remain both the most-used source of news and information about Covid-19 (89% in week twelve vs. 93% in week one) and the most important source of news and information to users (69% in week twelve vs. 71% in week one). Over 55s are more likely to use traditional media (96%) compared to 16-24s (77%). Over 55s are also more likely to trust traditional media (82%) compared to 25-34s who trust it the least (51%).
• Compared to week one, use of social media as a source of information about the pandemic has decreased (38% in week twelve vs. 49% in week one), as has use of closed messenger groups (8% vs. 15%). More than six in ten (63%) 16-24s use social media as a source of news about the coronavirus vs only 18% of over 65s. Social media is considered as their most important source of news about the coronavirus by 12% of 16-24s, higher than for any other age group, and only 1% of over-65s consider it their most important news source. There has also been a decrease in sharing news or information about Covid-19 via social media posts (13% in week twelve vs. 25% in week one) or by writing in closed messenger groups (18% vs. 34%). Almost a quarter (23%) now say they have not shared any information or news about Covid-19 either online or by word of mouth in the last week, compared to 11% in week one.

Misinformation related to Covid-19

• In week twelve, 30% of respondents say they have come across false or misleading information about Covid-19 in the last week; this is down from a peak of 50% in weeks three and five and from 46% in week one. 16-24s are the most likely to come across false or misleading information (44%) compared with 24% of over 35s. Those in ABC1 households are also more likely (32%) to come across misleading information than those in C2DE households (26%). Just 5% of those who saw misleading information in the last week say they forwarded or shared it (vs. 7% in week one).
• The most common piece of misinformation respondents came across in the last week (from a select list) is ‘theories linking the origins or causes of Covid-19 to 5G technology’. There has been a decrease in the proportion of respondents coming across this, from 50% in week three when it was first asked, to 22% in week twelve. Almost a third (32%) of 16-24s they say have come across ‘theories linking the origins or causes of Covid-19 to 5G technology’ compared to 17% of over 65s.
• In week twelve, 75% of respondents who use social media say they came across information about the coronavirus from official sources in the form of banners, pop-ups and upfront notices (either each time/most times or sometimes when they use social media).

Attitudes and behaviour related to Covid-19

• Around one quarter (24%) of respondents agree with the statement ‘I am confused about what I should be doing in response to the coronavirus’. This is an increase from 17% in week one. A third (32%) of 25-34s agree with the statement compared to 21% of over 65s.
• The NHS remains the most trusted source for information on Covid-19. More than nine in ten adults who use it for information say they trust it (91% in week twelve vs. 95% in week one). A clear majority of respondents using official sources continue to trust the information provided by official scientists (84% in week twelve vs. 90% in week one), local health services (87% vs. 92%), the WHO (80% vs. 94%) and the UK government (68% vs. 89%).
• Just over four in ten respondents (43%) say they ‘find it hard to know what is true and what is false about the coronavirus’, similar to the proportion in week one (40%). More than four in ten female respondents (46%) say they find it hard to know what’s true or false, compared to 39% of male respondents. 49% of 25-34s agreed with the statement, compared to 40% of over 65s. 39% of those in ABC1 households say they ‘find it hard to know what is true and what is false about the coronavirus’ compared to 47% of those in C2DE households.
• Nearly all respondents still say they are closely following official guidance about regular handwashing (90% in week twelve vs. 96% in week one) and practising social distancing (95% vs. 98%). Over 55s are most likely to say they are following advice on social distancing (98%) compared to 91% of 18-24s.
• Respondents reported "Staying at home as much as possible’ (65%), ‘Maintaining social distancing when outside’ (68%) and ‘Washing hands regularly and thoroughly’ (68%) as the three most important pieces of official advice (combining 1st, 2nd and 3rd rankings). Over 55s say they think social distancing is most important (73%) compared to 66% of 18-24s. Respondents from C2DE backgrounds (72%) think social distancing is more important than those in ABC1 backgrounds (66%). Respondents aged over 65 (73%) thought handwashing the most important compared to 55% of 18-24s.
• Nearly a quarter of respondents (24%) say they think ‘the mainstream media is exaggerating the seriousness of the coronavirus’, compared to 17% in week one. Almost three in ten (29%) male respondents agreed with this statement, compared to 19% of female respondents. One in five (21%) over 65s agreed with the statement compared to 32% of those aged 25-34.
• Finally, most respondents (79%) continue to think that ‘this crisis is showing some positive sides of society (e.g. more local/community spirit, support for the NHS)’ (vs. 86% in week one). Those aged over 65 are most likely to agree the crisis is showing positive sides to society (84%) compared to 71% of 16-24s.

Week twenty five

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week twenty five data tables (XLSX, 986.9 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week twenty five data (CSV, 4.9 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week twenty five (PDF, 252.0 KB)

Week twenty

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week twenty data tables (XLSX, 554.0 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week twenty data (CSV, 4.9 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week twenty (PDF, 177.9 KB)

Week fourteen

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week fourteen data tables (XLSX, 546.8 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week fourteen data (CSV, 4.6 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week fourteen (PDF, 192.4 KB)

Week thirteen

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week thirteen data tables (XLSX, 543.1 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week thirteen data (CSV, 4.6 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week thirteen (PDF, 191.4 KB)

Week twelve

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week twelve data tables (XLSX, 547.1 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week twelve data (CSV, 5.0 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week twelve (PDF, 207.1 KB)

Results by UK nation, using a combined dataset from weeks nine to twelve of the survey (XLSX, 1.0 MB)

Week eleven

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week eleven data tables (XLSX, 548.5 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week eleven data (CSV, 5.0 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week eleven (PDF, 216.1 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on online consumption (September 2020) (PDF, 495.4 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on TV viewing (September 2020) (PDF, 205.4 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on TV viewing (July 2020) (PDF, 193.5 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on online consumption (June 2020) (PDF, 240.8 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on TV viewing (May 2020) (PDF, 193.5 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on online consumption (April 2020) (PDF, 189.0 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – BARB charts (April 2020) (PDF, 191.6 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – BARB charts (March 2020) (PDF, 287.2 KB)

We have conducted analysis looking at the proportion of UK adults who are digitally excluded, including those who do not use the internet or have access to the internet at home, or have access to any connected devices. This analysis looks at the likelihood of digital exclusion by a number of different characteristics including; age, living alone, having a condition that limits or impairs their use of communications services, being financially vulnerable, and having more than one of these characteristics. We also provide population estimates based on the analysis, which are provided as a range, with a lower and upper bound.

This analysis was conducted using Ofcom’s Use of communication services, consumer omnibus. This survey tracks the access and use of communications devices and services among non-disabled and disabled consumers, and monitoring disabled consumers’ limitations and preventions of use caused by their disability.

Use of communication services, consumer omnibus: digital exclusion analysis (XLSX, 24.2 KB)

Use of communication services, consumer omnibus: digital exclusion analysis – population estimates (XLSX, 45.8 KB)

Use of communication services, consumer omnibus: digital exclusion analysis: respondent level data (CSV, 3.0 MB)

Use of communication services, consumer omnibus: digital exclusion analysis: respondent level data (SPSS) (SAV, 829.3 KB)