Who hold higher risk perception and anxiety toward COVID-19? Focusing on gender, age and media exposure

Abstract

The present study examined the determinants of risk perception and anxiety toward COVID-19, which is a new threat for human beings. As determinants, we focused on the effects of gender, age, and media exposure. The present study was conducted online, which obtained 1555 valid responses. The results showed that women consistently perceived higher risk and had higher anxiety toward COVID-19. As for age groups, risk perception was higher in 60s, but there was no difference in anxiety, while estimations of the probability of infection was highest among 60s. Obtaining information from the television and online news was related with risk perception whilst obtaining information from SNS was related with anxiety. An optimism bias was also observed in the present study. The present study found that the risk perception of COVID-19 differs depending on gender and age. The results suggested that we should consider these differences in risk communication of COVID-19.