Australians have been accessing more news than usual during the COVID-19 pandemic, but many are also now avoiding it due to 'news fatigue'. That's according to a new University of Canberra study, which also found coronavirus news coverage is affecting people's mental health.
As many Australians grapple with a new way of life due to the coronavirus pandemic, news consumption has surged.
Whether it's a desire for information or just having more available time, a report by the News and Media Research Centre at the University of Canberra found more than two thirds of Australians are accessing news more than once a day since the COVID-19 outbreak.
Lead author, Associate Professor in Communication Dr Sora Park, says more than 2,000 people were surveyed about their news viewing habits last month.
However Dr Park says the report also shows many Australians are tired of hearing about COVID-19 in the news and are avoiding it due to news fatigue.
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