Changing Pattern and Gratification of Consuming News from Social Media: Understanding Bangladeshi Audience Behavior Regarding COVID-19 Related News during Pandemic

Abstract

The enhancement of new media has reshaped and evolved the structure of a message and the audience Though traditional or mainstream media are treated as more credible to the masses but the linear structure of audience feedback creates a significant difference between the two media Audience control and interactivity by using digital platforms empowered Audience Moreover the Third screen mobile media with its Everything Everywhere nature increases information accessibility As a result gratifications of consuming information are in a state of change Furthermore the World Health Organization WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic on Jan 30 2020 This created a public concern and forced the general people to seek information in the most accessible ways For most people it s the digital media In these contexts the study will help to determine contemporary trends and readership gratification or satisfaction Specifically the readers who regularly read share and engage themselves in COVID-related news from social media rather than traditional ones