In a time of unprecedented anxiety and disruption, Australia’s mediascape has been found to be more hysterical than the global average.
The number of Coronavirus cases in Australian are incredibly low compared to that of the United States of America, but the Australian media scores much higher on data institute RavenPack’s Coronavirus Panic Index.
This is but another example of the harm caused by Australia’s media conglomeration.
Researcher at Melbourne University’s Centre for Advancing Journalism Dennis Muller has stated that News Corporation, publisher of over 57% of Australian newspapers, is dividing the Australian community.
Such tension may well further impact those who have found their mental health unstable due to disruption and uncertainty caused by the current pandemic.
Johanna Pure, operations manager at Headspace Ipswich, Nundah, Woolloongabba and Meadowbrook, advices people feeling anxious due to Coronavirus and the media to distance themselves from social media and seek help.
If this story has brought up any issues for you, you can contact Headspace, Kids Helpline or Lifeline.