Investigate the impact of media on public understanding of health and medical science in China

Sociology and Politics of Science, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK

^* Corresponding author: erica.yang.21@ucl.ac.uk

Abstract

In the rapidly developing digital age, media has become an influential aspect of human existence, particularly in shaping perceptions of health and medical science. This is evident in China’s experience during COVID-19, highlighting the media’s power in health science communication. Media bridges the gap between scientists and the public, yet also holds the potential for misinformation and pseudoscience. This study explores the impact of media on health science understanding in China, using existing literature to assess its advantages and disadvantages. This study reveals that media effectively enhances public health knowledge through rapid dissemination speed, broad audience reach, and systematic public surveillance. However, its drawbacks are noteworthy. Media’s rapid spread can accelerate the spread of misinformation and rumours, causing panic and psychological distress among the public and harming individuals’ privacy and personal rights. This study underscores the media’s dual role in influencing health science understanding in China, emphasising that future research is worth exploring whether this shift will lead to increased pressures on public management and social cohesion.