Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – previous results

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.

Fieldwork took place 29–31 May, asking people about their habits and attitudes in the previous seven days. Comparisons are with week one of the research, when fieldwork took place 27–29 March, just after the Prime Minister had announced lockdown measures.

Consumption of news and information about Covid-19

• Nine in ten respondents (90%) are still accessing news about Covid-19 at least once a day (vs. 99% in week one). But less than one in ten (7%) are now accessing news about the pandemic at least twenty times a day (vs. 24% in week one).
• Around a third of respondents (35%) say they are ‘trying to avoid news about coronavirus’ (vs. 22% in week one). Those aged 18-24 are most likely to say they are avoiding news about Covid-19 (45%). Female respondents (39%) are more likely than male respondents (31%) 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 (88% in week ten vs. 93% in week one) and the most important source of news and information to users (68% in week ten vs. 71% in week one).
• Compared to week one, use of social media as a source of information about the pandemic has decreased (38% in week ten vs. 49% in week one), as has use of closed messenger groups (7% vs. 15%). There has also been a decrease in sharing news or information about Covid-19 via social media posts (13% in week ten 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 ten, 38% of respondents say they have come across false or misleading information about Covid-19 in the last week - this is lower than results in week one (46%). 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 (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 30% in week ten.
• In week ten, 76% of respondents who use social media say they came across information in the form of banners, pop-ups and upfront notices about coronavirus from official sources (either each time/most times or sometimes).

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 coronavirus’. This is an increase from 17% in week one. Three in ten (28%) 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 (92% in week ten vs. 95% in week one). A clear majority of respondents using official sources continue to trust the information provided by official scientists (87% in week ten vs. 90% in week one), local health services (86% vs. 92%), the WHO (82% vs. 94%) and the UK government (70% vs. 89%).
• Just under four in ten respondents (38%) say they ‘find it hard to know what is true and what is false about coronavirus’, similar to the proportion in week one (40%). Four in ten female respondents (41%) say they find it hard to know what’s true or false, compared to 34% of male respondents. 43% of 16-24s say that they find it hard to know what is true or false, compared to 32% of 55-64s.
• Nearly all respondents still say they are closely following official guidance about regular handwashing (90% in week ten vs. 96% in week one) and practising social distancing (96% vs. 98%).
• Respondents reported 'Staying at home as much as possible’ (70%), ‘Maintaining social distancing when outside’ (69%) and ‘Washing hands regularly and thoroughly’ (67%) as the three most important official pieces of official advice (combining 1st, 2nd and 3rd rankings).
• Nearly a quarter of respondents (23%) say they think ‘the mainstream media is exaggerating the seriousness of coronavirus’, compared to 17% in week one. A quarter of male respondents (26%) agreed with this statement, compared to 20% of female respondents. One in five (19%) of over 65s agreed with the statement compared to 27% of those aged 35-44.
• 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 (87%) compared to 68% of 25-34s.

Fieldwork took place 16-17 May, 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 addressed the nation and announced lockdown measures.

Consumption of news and information about Covid-19

• Nine in ten respondents (92%) are still accessing news about Covid-19 at least once a day (vs. 99% in week one). But less than one in ten (8%) are now accessing news about the pandemic at least twenty times a day (vs. 24% in week one).
• A third of respondents (33%) say they are ‘trying to avoid news about coronavirus’ (vs. 22% in week one). Those aged 25-34 are most likely to say they are avoiding news about Covid-19 (43%). Female respondents (35%) 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 (88% in week eight vs. 93% in week one) and the most important source of news and information to users (65% in week eight vs. 71% in week one). BBC services (TV, radio and online) remain the most used (78% in week eight, 82% in week one) and most important sources of information (51% in week eight, 52% in week one).
• Compared to week one, use of social media as a source of information about the pandemic has decreased (37% in week eight vs. 49% in week one), as has use of closed groups (9% vs. 15%). There has also been a decrease in sharing news or information about Covid-19 via social media posts (15% in week eight vs. 25% in week one) or by writing in closed messenger groups (21% vs. 34%). Just over 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 eight, 43% of respondents say they have come across false or misleading information about Covid-19 in the last week. This is slightly lower than results in week one (46%). 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 (from a select list) was ‘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 to 35% in week eight.

Attitudes and behaviour related to Covid-19

• More than a quarter (26%) of respondents agree with the statement: ‘I am confused about what I should be doing in response to Coronavirus’. This is an increase from 16% in week seven and 17% in week one. 37% of 25-34s agree with the statement compared to only 20% 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 (93% in week eight vs. 95% in week one). A clear majority of respondents using official sources continue to trust the information provided by official scientists (88% in week eight vs. 90% in week one), local health services (88% vs. 92%), the WHO (84% vs. 94%) and the government (79% vs. 84%).
• Four in ten respondents (40%) say they ‘find it hard to know what is true and what is false about Coronavirus’, in line with results from week one (40%). Over four in ten female respondents (44%) say they find it hard to know what’s true or false, compared to 36% of male respondents. 46% of 16-34s say that they find it hard to know what is true or false, compared to 33% of over 65s.
• Nearly all respondents still say they are closely following official guidance about regular handwashing (90% in week eight vs. 96% in week one), only going outside the home for essential shopping and exercise (95% vs. 97%) and practising social distancing (97% vs. 98%).
• Nearly a quarter of respondents (24%) say they think ‘the mainstream media is exaggerating the seriousness of Coronavirus’, compared to 17% in week one. Three in ten male respondents (30%) agree with this statement, compared to 19% of female respondents. Only 19% of over 65s agree with the statement whereas a third (33%) of 24-34s agree with the statement.
• Finally, most respondents (84%) 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 (88%).

Fieldwork took place from 1-3 May, asking people about their habits and attitudes of the previous seven days.

Consumption of news and information about Covid-19

• Nine in ten respondents (94%) are still accessing news about Covid-19 at least once a day (vs. 99% in week one). But less than one in ten (8%) are now accessing news about the pandemic at least twenty times a day (vs. 24% in week one).
• A third of respondents (33%) say they are ‘trying to avoid news about Coronavirus’ (vs. 22% in week one). Those aged 18-24 and 25-34 are most likely to say they are avoiding news about Covid-19 (44% of both groups). Female respondents (37%) 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 (89% in week six vs. 93% in week one,) and the most important source of news and information to users (64% in week six vs. 71% in week one). BBC services (TV, radio and online) remain the most used (77% in week six, 82% in week one,) and most important sources of information (50% in week six, 52% in week one).
• Compared to week one, use of social media as a source of information about the pandemic has decreased (38% in week six vs. 49% in week one), as has use of closed groups (9% vs. 15%). There has also been a decrease in sharing news or information about Covid-19 via social media posts (15% in week six vs. 25% in week one) or by writing in closed messenger groups (21% vs. 34%). A fifth (20%) 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 11% in week one.

Misinformation related to Covid-19

• In week six, 47% of respondents say they have come across false or misleading information about Covid-19 in the last week. This is slightly lower than results in week five (50%). Just 4% of those who saw misleading information in the last week say they forwarded or shared it (vs. 7% in week one).
• As in weeks four and five, the most common piece of misinformation respondents came across (from a select list) was ‘theories linking the origins or causes of Covid-19 to 5G technology’. There has been a small decrease in the proportion of respondents coming across this, from 51% in week four to 45% in week six. The number of adults who have not come across any false or misleading information (from a select list) has increased to 40% in week six vs. 37% in week five.

Attitudes and behaviour related to Covid-19

• The NHS remains the most trusted source for information on Covid-19. Nine in ten adults who use it for information say they trust it (92% in week six vs. 95% in week one). A clear majority of respondents using official sources continue to trust the information provided by official scientists (91% in week six vs. 90% in week one), local health services (84% vs. 92%), the WHO (81% vs. 94%) and the government (78% vs. 84%).
• More than a third of respondents (38%) say they ‘find it hard to know what is true and what is false about Coronavirus’, in line with results from week one (40%). Over four in ten female respondents (41%) say they find it hard to know what’s true or false, compared to 34% of male respondents. 44% of 16-34s say that they find it hard to know what is true or false, compared to 33% of over 65s.
• Nearly all respondents still say they are closely following official guidance about regular handwashing (91% in week six vs. 96% in week one), only going outside the home for essential shopping and exercise (97% vs. 97%) and practising social distancing (98% vs. 98%).
• A fifth of respondents (20%) say they think ‘the mainstream media is exaggerating the seriousness of Coronavirus’, 17% in week one. Nearly a quarter of male respondents (24%) agree with this statement, compared to 15% of female respondents. Only 14% of over 65s agree with the statement whereas a quarter (25%) of both 24-34s and 35-44s agree.
• Finally, most respondents (83%) 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 (90%).

Consumption of news and information about Covid-19

• Nine in ten respondents (93%) are still accessing news about Covid-19 at least once a day (vs. 99% in week one). But just one in ten (10%) are now accessing news about the pandemic at least twenty times a day (vs. 24% in week one).
• More than a third of respondents (34%) say they are ‘trying to avoid news about Coronavirus’ (vs. 22% in week one). Those aged 18-24 and 25-34 are most likely to say they are avoiding news about Covid-19 (43% of both groups). Female respondents (38%) 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 (86% in week five, 93% in week one,) and the most important source of news and information to users (66% in week five, 71% in week one). Within the traditional media sources, BBC services (TV, radio and online) remain the most used (74% in week five, 82% in week one,) and most important sources of information (49% in week five, 52% in week one,).
• Compared to week one, use of social media as a source of information about the pandemic has decreased (34% in week five vs. 49% in week one), as has use of closed groups (7% vs. 15%). There has also been a decrease in sharing news or information about Covid-19 via social media posts (14% in week five vs. 25% in week one) or by writing in closed messenger groups (17% vs. 34%). A quarter (25%) now say they have not shared any information or news about Covid-19 either online or by word of mouth in the last week, an increase from 11% in week one.

Misinformation related to Covid-19

• In week five, 50% of respondents say they have come across false or misleading information about Covid-19 in the last week. This is higher than results in week four (44%) but in line with those from week three (50%). Just 3% of those who saw misleading information in the last week say they forwarded or shared it (vs. 7% in week one).
• As in weeks three and four, the most common piece of misinformation respondents came across (from a select list) was ‘theories linking the origins or causes of Covid-19 to 5G technology’. There has been a small decrease in the proportion of respondents coming across this, from 51% in week four to 47% in week five. In week five, 9% of respondents said they had seen ‘other’ pieces of misinformation outside of those on our select list which related to ‘injecting disinfectant’ and ‘exposure to UV light’.

Attitudes and behaviour related to Covid-19

• The NHS remains the most trusted source for information on Covid-19. Nine in ten adults who use it for information say they trust it (91% in week five, 95% in week one). A clear majority of respondents using official sources continue to trust the information provided by official scientists (87% in week five vs. 90% in week one), local health services (84% vs. 91%), the WHO (81% vs. 94%) and the government (78% vs. 89%).
• More than a third of respondents (36%) say they ‘find it hard to know what is true and what is false about Coronavirus’, in line with results from week four (36%). Nearly four in ten female respondents (39%) say they find it hard to know what’s true or false, compared to 32% of male respondents.
• Nearly all respondents still say they are closely following official guidance about regular handwashing (91% in week five vs. 92% in week four), only going outside the home for essential shopping and exercise (96% vs. 97%) and practising social distancing (97% vs. 98%).
• A fifth of respondents (20%) say they think ‘the mainstream media is exaggerating the seriousness of Coronavirus’, in line with results from week four (20%). Nearly a quarter of male respondents (24%) agree with this statement, compared to 17% of female respondents.
• Finally, most respondents (84%) continue to think that ‘this crisis is showing some positive sides of society (e.g. more local/community spirit, support for the NHS)’ (vs. 83% in week four). Those aged over 65 are most likely to agree the crisis is showing positive sides to society (92%).

Consumption of news and information about Covid-19

• Among adult internet users, traditional media sources (broadcasters, print media etc.) remain both the most-used source of news and information about Covid-19 (93% in week one, 89% in week four) and the most important source of news and information to users (71% in both weeks one and four). Within the traditional media sources, BBC services (TV, radio and online) remain the most used by some margin. Three quarters (76%) use the BBC as a source of news/information, although this is a decrease on week one (82%). BBC services also remain the most important source of information (52% in week one, 49% in week four).
• Almost all respondents are still accessing news about Covid-19 at least once a day, but this has decreased slightly (99% in week one, 96% in week four). It appears that people are not accessing news and information as frequently as in the first week of lockdown. In week one, a quarter of respondents (24%) said they were accessing news about Covid-19 twenty or more times a day, but this decreased to 17% in week two and 14% in week three. This has now decreased further to 12%.
• Furthermore, three in ten respondents (30%) now say that they are ‘trying to avoid news about Coronavirus’, up from 22% in week one and 27% in weeks two and three. Those aged 18-24 are most likely to say they are avoiding news about Covid-19 (42%).
• Compared to week one, respondents are now more likely to say they have not shared any information or news about Covid-19 in the past week (11% in week one vs. 18% in week four).

Misinformation related to Covid-19

• During the fourth week of lockdown, 44% of respondents say they have come across false or misleading information about Covid-19. This is lower than 50% in week three, but roughly in line with results from week two (45%) and week one (46%).
• There has been a small decrease in the proportion of respondents saying they have done something after coming across false or misleading news/information about Covid-19 (45% in week one, 41% in week four).
• As in week three, the most common piece of misinformation that people have come across in week four (from a select list) was ‘theories linking the origins or causes of Covid-19 to 5G technology’ (50% in week three, 51% in week four).

Attitudes and behaviour related to Covid-19

• The NHS remains the most trusted source for information on Covid-19. Nine in ten adults who use it for information say they trust it (93% in week four, 95% in week one). Trust in some official sources has decreased between weeks one and four, but a clear majority of respondents using these sources continue to trust the information provided by the WHO (87% in week four vs. 94% in week one), local health services (81% vs. 91%), the government (80% vs. 89%) and official scientists (78% vs. 90%).
• 36% of respondents say they ‘find it hard to know what is true and what is false about Coronavirus’, an increase from 32% in week three, but still lower than 40% in week one. Furthermore, 16% say they are ‘confused about what I should be doing in response to Coronavirus’, an increase from 12% in week three and in line with 17% in week one.
• Most respondents (83%) continue to think that ‘this crisis is showing some positive sides of society (e.g. more local/community spirit, support for the NHS)’ (vs. 84% in week three). Nearly all respondents continue to say they are closely following official guidance about regular hand washing (92% vs. 94% in week three), only going outside the home for essential shopping and exercise (97% vs. 97% in week three) and practising social distancing (98% vs. 98% in week three).

• Almost all of the UK online population continue to access news and information about Covid-19 at least once a day.
• BBC services are still the most used source for news and information on Covid-19.
• One in five respondents say they are not sharing information about Covid-19 – an increase since week one.
• Half of all respondents say they have come across false or misleading information.
• 50% of respondents have seen theories linking Covid-19 with 5G.
• Virtually all respondents continue to say they are following official advice on the coronavirus.
• Official sources, such as the NHS and the WHO, so far tend to be the most trusted.
• The proportion of people 'finding it hard to know what's true and what's false about Covid-19' has decreased.
• An increasing number of people agree they are 'trying to avoid news about coronavirus'.
• Respondents almost universally agree that the crisis has shown positive sides to society.

• Almost all of the UK online population are accessing news and information about Covid-19 at least once a day.
• BBC services are the most used source for news and information by some margin.
• 36% of respondents named BBC TV as their most important source for news and information.
• 46% of respondents say they have come across false or misleading information.
• 55% of people that came across false or misleading information did not take any action.
• Virtually all respondents say they are following official advice on the coronavirus.
• Official sources, such as the NHS and the WHO, tend to be the most trusted.
• 40% of respondents agree that they are 'finding it hard to know what's true and what's false about Covid-19'.
• One in five people agree they are 'trying to avoid news about the coronavirus'.
• 86% of respondents agree that the crisis has shown positive sides to society.

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)

Week 10

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week ten data tables (XLSX, 549.9 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week ten data (CSV, 2.9 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week ten (PDF, 629.3 KB)

Week 9

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week nine data tables (XLSX, 2.4 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week nine data (CSV, 3.5 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week nine (PDF, 215.2 KB)

Week 8

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week eight data tables (XLSX, 434.8 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week eight data (CSV, 3.2 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week eight (PDF, 188.8 KB)

Results by UK nation, using a combined dataset from weeks five to eight of the survey (XLSX, 810.9 KB)

Week 7

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week seven data tables (XLSX, 438.4 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week seven data (CSV, 3.2 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week seven (PDF, 186.6 KB)

Week 6

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week six data tables (XLSX, 434.0 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week six data (CSV, 3.3 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week six (PDF, 159.6 KB)

Week 5

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week five data tables (XLSX, 426.4 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week five data (CSV, 3.1 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – weeks one to four rolled data tables (with ethnicity cross-breaks) (XLSX, 573.4 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week five (PDF, 183.8 KB)

Week 4

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week four data tables (XLSX, 413.5 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week four data (CSV, 2.9 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – weeks one to four rolled data tables (with nations cross-breaks) (XLSX, 774.8 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – weeks one to four rolled data (CSV, 11.6 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week four (PDF, 265.2 KB)

Week 3

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week three data tables (XLSX, 401.5 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week three data (CSV, 2.9 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week three (PDF, 222.7 KB)

Week 2

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week two data tables (XLSX, 401.0 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week two data (CSV, 2.9 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week two (PDF, 263.7 KB)

Week 1

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week one data tables (XLSX, 386.1 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – week one data (CSV, 2.9 MB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – questionnaire for week one (PDF, 181.1 KB)

Covid-19 news and information: consumption and attitudes – methodology (PDF, 146.1 KB)