Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes

Fieldwork took place 12-14 February, asking people about their habits and attitudes in the previous seven days. During this week, all nations remained under lockdown and the number of people who received a first dose of a coronavirus vaccine passed 13 million.

Consumption of news and information about the coronavirus

• In the last week, nine in ten people (88%) said they accessed news about the coronavirus at least once a day. This was a similar proportion to last month (89%) but a decrease from week one (99%).
• Traditional media has remained the most-used source of news and information about the coronavirus, used by nine in ten people (87%) in the last week. Of these people, 65% said it was their most important news source.
• Almost nine in ten social media users (85%) said that they had seen banners, pop-ups and upfront notices about the coronavirus from official sources, such as health organisations or the government.
• One in eight people (12%) shared news or information about the coronavirus via social media posts in the last week.
• Most people (85%) who shared news or information about the coronavirus from any source did so to inform family, friends and colleagues by sharing information that might be relevant or helpful to them.

Misinformation related to the coronavirus

• Three in ten people (29%) said they had come across claims about the coronavirus which could be considered false or misleading in the last week. This was a decrease from last month, when 32% of people said they had seen similar claims.
• One in four people (27%) were unsure whether or not they had come across claims about the coronavirus which could be considered false or misleading in the last week, this was the same proportion as the previous month.
• In the last week, the most-seen claim about the coronavirus which could be considered false or misleading was that ‘the number of deaths linked to coronavirus is much lower in reality than is being reported’. This claim was chosen from a select list and was seen by 21% of the people who came across claims which could be considered false or misleading. Six in ten (60%) people saw at least one of the claims which could be considered false or misleading, a decrease from last month where 63% of people saw at least one claim.
• Where respondents had seen claims that could be considered false or misleading, 23% said that seeing these claims had made them think twice about the issue. This was a similar proportion to last month (20%).
• Six in ten people (62%) had concerns about the amount of misinformation other people may be getting about the coronavirus, a similar proportion to last month (61%).
• Most people (82%) agreed that ‘untrue stories about the coronavirus should not be posted or shared on social media’. A higher proportion of people agreed with this statement this month compared to last month (79%). However, one in five (18%) people also agreed that ‘it’s OK for untrue stories about the coronavirus to be posted and shared on social media, as long as they are flagged as potentially untrustworthy/untrue by the social media platform’.
• Just over half (55%) of respondents said that they had seen posts on social media with warnings or notices that the information may be untrustworthy or untrue in the last week.

Fieldwork took place 15-17 January, asking people about their habits and attitudes in the previous seven days, with all nations being under lockdown during this period.

Consumption of news and information about the coronavirus

• In the last week, nine in ten people (89%) accessed news about the coronavirus at least once a day. This was an increase from last month, where 86% of people accessed news about the coronavirus once a day, but a decrease from week one (99%).
• Traditional media has remained the most-used source of news and information about the coronavirus, used by nine in ten people (86%) in the last week. Of these people, 65% said it was their most important news source.
• Eight in ten social media users (82%) said that they had seen banners, pop-ups and upfront notices about the coronavirus from official sources, such as health organisations or the government.
• One in seven people (14%) shared news or information about the coronavirus via social media posts in the last week, an increase from 11% last month.

Misinformation related to the coronavirus

• One in three people (32%) said they had come across claims about the coronavirus which could be considered false or misleading in the last week. This was an increase from last month, where 29% of people said they had seen similar claims.
• One in four people (27%) were unsure whether or not they had come across claims about the coronavirus which could be considered false or misleading in the last week.
• In the last week, the most-seen claim about the coronavirus which could be considered false or misleading was images or videos of empty hospitals, shown via social media posts as evidence that the coronavirus has been exaggerated. These images or videos were seen by 30% of the people who came across claims which could be considered false or misleading.
• Where respondents had seen claims that could be considered false or misleading, one in five (20%) said that seeing these claims had made them think twice about the issue. This was a lower proportion compared to last month (25%).
• Six in ten people (61%) had concerns about the amount of misinformation other people may be getting about the coronavirus, the same proportion as last month.
• Most people (79%) agreed that ‘untrue stories about the coronavirus should not be posted or shared on social media’, but one in five (20%) also agreed that ‘it’s OK for untrue stories about the coronavirus to be posted and shared on social media, as long as they are flagged as potentially untrustworthy/untrue by the social media platform’
• Half (52%) of respondents said that they had seen posts on social media with warnings or notices that the information may be untrustworthy or untrue in the last week.

Consumption of news and information about the coronavirus

• In week 37, nine in ten people (86%) accessed news about the coronavirus at least once a day, compared to almost everyone in week one (99%).
• Traditional media has remained the most-used source of news and information about the coronavirus (83%). Of these respondents, 65% said it was their most important news source.
• Eight in ten social media users (81%) said that they had seen banners, pop-ups and upfront notices about the coronavirus from official sources, such as health organisations or the government.
• One in ten (11%) people shared news or information about Covid-19 via social media posts this month which was the same proportion as last month.

Misinformation related to the coronavirus

• One in three people (29%) said they came across claims about the coronavirus which could be considered false or misleading in the last week, which is a decline from 33% in week 33.
• Where respondents had seen claims that could be considered false or misleading, one in four (25%) said that seeing these claims had made them think twice about the issue.
• Six in ten respondents (61%) had concerns about the amount of misinformation other people may be getting about Covid-19.
• Most respondents (79%) agreed that ‘untrue stories about the coronavirus should not be posted or shared on social media’, but one in five (21%) also agreed that ‘it’s OK for untrue stories about the coronavirus to be posted and shared on social media, as long as they are flagged as potentially untrustworthy/untrue by the social media platform’.

Consumption of news and information about Covid-19

• Nine in ten people (90%) accessed news about Covid-19 at least once a day which compares to almost everyone (99%) in week one.
• Since week one, traditional media has remained the most-used source of news and information about Covid-19 (85% of respondents used traditional sources in week 33 compared to 93% in week one).
• In week 33, eight in ten social media users (82%) said that they had seen banners, pop-ups and upfront notices about Covid-19 from official sources, such as health organisations or the government, while on social media.

Misinformation related to Covid-19

• One in three people (33%) said they came across claims about Covid-19 which could be considered false or misleading in the last week.
• Where respondents had seen claims that could be considered false or misleading, three in ten (28%) said that seeing these claims had made them think twice about the issue (26% in week 29)
• When shown a selected list of claims that could be considered false or misleading, one in three respondents (33%) said they had seen the claim that ‘The flu alone is killing more people than coronavirus’.
• Eight in ten respondents (81%) felt that untrue stories about the coronavirus should not be shared or posted on social media.
• Six in ten respondents (61%) had concerns about the amount of misinformation other people may be getting about Covid-19.

Attitudes and behaviour related to Covid-19

• The majority of respondents said they are still closely following government advice on the coronavirus including the ‘Stay at home as much as possible’ advice since the start of the England lockdown.
• ‘Maintaining social distancing’ (59%) and ‘Washing hands regularly and thoroughly’ (57%) were rated the two most important pieces of government advice by respondents. ‘Staying at home as much as possible’ and ‘Wearing a face mask/covering’ were also seen as important pieces of government advice, with more than half of respondents (54%) rating these as important.
• One in four respondents (24%) agreed with the statement ‘I am confused about what I should be doing in response to the coronavirus’. While the proportion of people who agreed with this has increased from week one of the lockdown (where 17% agreed), the proportion has decreased from the last round of our survey (in week 29, where 30% agreed).

Fieldwork took place 9-11 October, asking people about their habits and attitudes in the previous seven days, following a week during which the reported number of Covid-19 cases increased.

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. We also compare the results with the data from week 25, when fieldwork took place on 11-13 September, as this was the previous iteration of this fieldwork.

Consumption of news and information about Covid-19

• Nine in ten people (88%) accessed news about Covid-19 at least once a day in the last week, this is an increase from 84% in week 25, although it is below the high at the start of the lockdown (99% in week one). Over 65s were the most likely to access news about Covid-19 at least once a day (93%) and 16-24s were least likely (79%).  One in 20 people (6%) accessed news about the pandemic at least 20 times a day (vs. 4% in week 25 and 24% in week one).
• Three in ten respondents (30%) said they are ‘trying to avoid news about the coronavirus’ (vs. 32% in week 25 and 22% in week one). Those aged 25-34 were most likely to say they are avoiding news about the coronavirus (43%). Female respondents were more likely to say they are avoiding news on the topic (34%) than male respondents (25%).
• Among adult internet users, traditional media sources (broadcasters, newspapers, radio) remained the most-used source of news and information about Covid-19 (84% in week 29 and week 25 vs. 93% in week one) and the most important source of news and information to users (64% in week 29 and week 25 vs. 71% in week one). Over 65s were more likely to use traditional media (94%) compared to 18-24s (72%).
• Compared to week one, use of social media as a source of information about the pandemic decreased (34% in week 29 and 38% in week 25 vs. 49% in week one), as did use of closed messenger groups (9% in week 29 and 25 vs. 15% in week one). Social media was still being used more among younger people than older people, with just over half (53%) of 16-24s using social media for pandemic information compared to 18% of over 65s. Social media was also considered a more important source of news about the coronavirus by younger respondents (12% of 18-24s, compared to only 1% of over-65s, considered it their most important news source). There was a decrease in sharing news or information about Covid-19 via social media posts (13% in week 29 and 25 vs. 25% in week one) or by writing in closed messenger groups (16% in week 29 and 14% in week 25 vs. 34% in week one). Around a quarter of people (26%) said 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 20, 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 29, around half (52%) of respondents agreed with the statement and 22% disagreed, similar to the results in week 25 (where 55% agreed and 20% disagreed).  As in week 25, male respondents were more likely (58%) than female respondents (47%) to agree with the statement. In week 25, people living in Scotland (66%) were more likely to agree with this statement but in week 29 the level of agreement was similar across all nations and regions.

Misinformation related to Covid-19

• In week 29, 32% of respondents said they came across false or misleading information about Covid-19 in the last week. This is an increase from week 25 where 27% of respondent said that they had come across false or misleading information, although this is still below the peak of 50% in weeks three and five (in April) and 46% in week one. 18-24s were the most likely to come across false or misleading information (36%) compared with 27% of 45-54s. Over a third of (35%) of male respondents came across false or misleading information compared to 28% of female respondents.  Just 4% of those who saw misleading information in the last week said 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 (27%) of respondents said they came across this claim. One in five (20%) 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 20 when it was first asked.  A similar proportion (18%) came across claims about a ‘lower number of cases in reality than being reported’. In week 29, we asked respondents for the first time if they had come across the claim that ‘The common cold can produce a positive Coronavirus test’; less than one in ten (8%) of respondents reported to have seen this.
• There was a decrease in respondents coming across other claims about coronavirus. Only 13% of respondents reported seeing the claim that ‘theories linking the origins or causes of Covid-19 to 5G technology’, compared to 21% in week 14 (in June) and 50% in week three (in April) when we first asked about this. One in ten (9%) respondents came across claims about ‘Injecting disinfectant/ bleach’, a decrease from 22% in week ten (in May). Just under one in five (17%) of respondents came across ‘Claims about potential dangers of a Coronavirus vaccination’ in line with results from week nine (in May) when it was first asked (18%).
• A quarter (26%) of respondents said that seeing false or misleading information has made them think twice about the issue, which is in line with week 25 27%. Those aged 25-34 were most likely to say that false or misleading information had made them think twice (37%) compared to 17% of 55-64s.
• In week 29, 81% of respondents who use social media said they had come across information about the coronavirus from official sources in the form of banners, pop-ups and upfront notices (either each time (16%), most times (30%) or sometimes (34%) when they went onto social media). Half of respondents (47%) that use social media said that they had come across ‘news/ info that have warnings/ notices from the platform attached, saying that the info may be untrustworthy/ untrue’ (either each time (7%), most times (16%) or sometimes (24%) when they went onto social media). Of those that came across these warnings/ notices about content, over half (55%) 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’ (81%) with only 7% disagreeing. One in five (20%) 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’. Three in ten (29%) of 25-34s agreed with this compared to only 8% of over 65s. One in five (18%) of respondents also agreed that ‘it’s OK for untrue stories about Coronavirus to be posted and shared on social media, as long as they are flagged as potentially untrustworthy/ untrue by the social media platform’.

Attitudes and behaviour related to Covid-19

• In week 29, three in ten (30%) respondents agreed with the statement ‘I am confused about what I should be doing in response to the coronavirus’. This was in line with week 25 (31%) and up from 17% in week one. Four in ten (38%) of 18-24s agreed with the statement compared to 26% of over 65s. Respondents in the North West (40%) and Wales (40%) were more likely to agree with this statement than other respondents.
• Four in ten (38%) said they ‘find it hard to know what is true and what is false about the coronavirus’, a similar proportion to week 25 and week one (both 40%). More female respondents (43%) said they find it hard to know what’s true or false compared to male respondents (33%), and 25-34s were the most likely age group to agree with the statement (44%). There were no significant differences in the responses to this statement from ABC1 or C2DE households (38% vs. 40%).
• The NHS remained one of the most trusted sources for information on Covid-19. In week 29, 95% of those who said they use the NHS for information said they trust it, the same proportion as in week 25 and week one. A clear majority of respondents using official sources continued to trust the information provided by official scientists (80% in week 29 and 88% in week 25 vs. 90% in week one), local health services (83% and 93% vs. 92%) and the WHO (92% and 86% vs. 94%). Three quarters (74%) of respondents trusted information provided by the UK Government, down from nine in ten (91%) in week one.
• A quarter of respondents (27%) said they think ‘the mainstream media is exaggerating the seriousness of the coronavirus’, a similar result to week 25 (25%) compared to 17% in week one. Male and female respondents were equally likely to agree with this statement (27% vs. 26%). A third of those aged 25-34 agreed with the statement compared to one in five (19%) over 65s.  Four in ten (38%) people living in Yorkshire and Humberside agreed with this statement compared to only 21% of people living in the South East.
• Six in ten respondents (61%) continued to think that ‘this crisis is showing some positive sides of society (e.g. more local/community spirit, support for the NHS)’. This has decreased over time since week one where 86% of respondents agreed with this statement. Those over 65 were most likely to agree the crisis is showing positive sides to society (64%) compared to 56% of 25-34s.
• In week 20, respondents were asked for the first time whether they would ‘agree to be vaccinated against the Coronavirus if there was a vaccine approved by the NHS available tomorrow’. In week 29, six in ten respondents (62%) agreed with the statement, a decrease from week 25 where 68% of respondents agreed. In week 29, 18% of respondents disagreed with this statement which is in line with the responses from week 25 (17%). Over 65s were the most likely to agree with the statement (80%) compared to 52% of 35-54s.
• In week 25, parents were asked for the first time if ‘on balance, they were comfortable that their child/children is/are back at school’ and just over half (55%) of parents agreed. In week 29, 58% of parents agreed with this statement while one in five (19%) of parents disagreed.
• Nearly all respondents said they are closely following official guidance about regular handwashing (88% in week 29 and 87% in week 25 vs. 96% in week one), practising social distancing (93% and 92% vs. 98% in week one) and wearing a face mask/ covering where relevant (94% and 93% vs. 93% in week 20). Over 65s were most likely to say they are following advice on social distancing (97%) compared to 85% of 16-24s.
• Finally, respondents reported ‘Maintaining social distancing’ (67%) and ‘Washing hands regularly and thoroughly’ (63%) as the two most important pieces of official advice (combining 1st, 2nd and 3rd rankings). Six in ten respondents (60%) thought that wearing a face mask/ covering is important, which is almost three times more than in week 14 (21%) following the  announcement that face coverings should be worn when travelling on public transport or going into shops.

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 20 (4%) are now accessing news about the pandemic at least 20 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 25 vs. 93% in week one) and the most important source of news and information to users (64% in week 25 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 25 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 20. 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 25 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 20, 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 25, just over half (55%) of respondents agreed with the statement and 20% disagreed which are similar to the results in week 20. As in week 20, 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 25, 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 20 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 25 compared to 21% in week 14 and 50% in week three when it was first asked. One in 20 (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 20 (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 25, 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 25 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 25 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 20, 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 25, two thirds of respondents (68%) agreed with the statement and 17% disagreed which is in line with week 20. Over 65s were the most likely to agree with the statement (82%) compared to 56% of 25-34s.
• In week 25, 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 25 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 20). 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 14 (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 20 (4%) are now accessing news about the pandemic at least 20 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 20 vs. 93% in week one) and the most important source of news and information to users (62% in week 20 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 20 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 20 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 20 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 20, 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 20 compared to 21% in week 14 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 20, 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 20 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 20 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 14 (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 20 (4%) are now accessing news about the pandemic at least 20 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 14 vs. 93% in week one) and the most important source of news and information to users (67% in week 14 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 14 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 14 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 14, 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 14. 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 14, 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 14 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 14 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 14 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 20 (5%) are now accessing news about the pandemic at least 20 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 12 vs. 93% in week one) and the most important source of news and information to users (69% in week 12 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 12 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 12 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 12, 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 12. 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 12, 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 12 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 12 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 12 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 47

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 47 data
(CSV, 5.1 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 47 data tables (XLSX, 935.7 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 47 questionnaire (PDF, 205.5 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: ethnicity data (CSV, 17.1 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: ethnicity data tables (XLSX, 903.4 KB)

Week 43

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 43 data tables (XLSX, 1003.8 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 43 data (CSV, 5.1 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week 43 (PDF, 199.5 KB)

Children's News Consumption Survey: Covid-19 November/December 2020 data tables (XLSX, 134.7 KB)

Children's News Consumption Survey: Covid-19 November/December 2020 data (CSV, 161.0 KB)

Children's News Consumption Survey: Covid-19 November/December 2020 questionnaire (PDF, 137.2 KB)

Week 37

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 37 data tables (XLSX, 1.1 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 37 data (CSV, 5.2 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week 37 (PDF, 211.1 KB)

Week 33

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 33 data tables (XLSX, 1004.4 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 33 data (CSV, 5.0 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week 33 (PDF, 255.1 KB)

Week 29

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 29 data tables (XLSX, 999.0 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 29 data (CSV, 5.1 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week 29 (PDF, 206.1 KB)

Week 25

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 25 data tables (XLSX, 986.9 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 25 data (CSV, 4.9 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week 25 (PDF, 252.0 KB)

Week 20

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 20 data tables (XLSX, 554.0 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 20 data (CSV, 4.9 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week 20 (PDF, 177.9 KB)

Week 14

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 14 data tables (XLSX, 546.8 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 14 data (CSV, 4.6 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week 14 (PDF, 192.4 KB)

Week 13

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 13 data tables (XLSX, 543.1 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 13 data (CSV, 4.6 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week 13 (PDF, 191.4 KB)

Week 12

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 12 data tables (XLSX, 547.1 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 12 data (CSV, 5.0 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week 12 (PDF, 207.1 KB)

Results by UK nation, using a combined dataset from weeks nine to 12 of the survey (XLSX, 1.0 MB)

Week 11

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 11 data tables (XLSX, 548.5 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week 11 data (CSV, 5.0 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week 11 (PDF, 216.1 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on TV viewing (February 2021) (PDF, 235.1 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on online consumption (February 2021) (PDF, 497.9 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on TV viewing (January 2021) (PDF, 259.4 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on online consumption (January 2021) (PDF, 557.7 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on TV viewing (December 2020) (PDF, 219.8 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on online consumption (December 2020) (PDF, 394.2 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on online consumption (November 2020) (PDF, 422.9 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on TV viewing (November 2020) (PDF, 194.3 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on online consumption (October 2020) (PDF, 363.4 KB)

Effects of Covid-19 on TV viewing (October 2020) (PDF, 217.8 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)