1 research outputs found
Analysis regarding the impact of âfake newsâ on the quality of life of the population in a region affected by earthquake activity. The case of RomaniaâNorthern Oltenia
PurposeThe study aims to examine the impact of the wave of seismic activity in the northern region of Oltenia (Gorj County, Romania) in February 2023 and the belief in âfake newsâ (circulated regarding causality, manifestations, and future developments of the seismic activity) on the quality of life of the affected population. It was considered opportune to conduct this study, given the novelty of such a situation, as the mentioned geographical area is not known to have a high seismic risk.MethodsThe study was built based on the questionnaire to which 975 respondents, present/residing in Gorj County during the earthquakes and at least 14âdays after, and with a minimum age of 18âyears, responded. The data was collected between February 27, 2023, and March 31, 2023, at a reasonable time interval from the recording of the first seismic event in the region, assuming that the respondentsâ opinions regarding the negative impact of seismic events on societal life are well crystallized. The aim was to obtain information and analyze it in order to establish the respondentsâ perception regarding the negative effects of seismic activity and the elements of âfake newsâ promoted in this context on the quality of life of individuals in the region.ResultsOur study indicates that individuals who are not concerned, due to their disbelief in âfake newsâ information, about the possibility of new strong earthquakes in the mentioned area feel the best physically, having an average satisfaction level of 82.80 (with a standard deviation of 19.70) on the WHOQOL-BREF scale. On the other hand, those who believed in the fake news experienced the lowest levels of psychological well-being, with an average satisfaction of 60.80 (and a standard deviation of 21.98). The WHOQOL-BREF is an instrument that assesses the quality of life across four distinct domains, and this study emphasizes the importance of accurate and trustworthy information for peopleâs well-being.ConclusionThe results of the study highlight that the quality of life indicators of people in the geographic area affected by the wave of seismic movements are negatively impacted due to the release of âfake newsâ in the public domain regarding the cause of seismic movements in Gorj county (and the previous earthquakes in Turkey) and their future manifestations and developments (the possibility of high magnitude seismic movements), as well as the lack of information provided by the public authorities on the issue at hand (causes, effects, future manifestations, management measures)