The psychological impact of rumors on social media on the university student in light of the Corona crisis

Abstract

This study generally aims at identifying the psychological impact of rumors on social media in the light of the Corona virus and  on the students. The sample of the study consisted of (100) students from the University of Adrar / Algeria, and a descriptive approach was used, which suits the purpose of the study. A survey has been conducted after reviewing previous studies and theoretical literature which was distributed later on network. The results concluded that the members of this sample were affected psychologically, some of them take the rumors seriously, before they are confirmed by the relevant official authorities; This negatively affects their morale. Some of them start surfing social media, without considering to what extent the rumors are true nor what are their real source. They feel it as necessary to raise the public awareness and cultural construction. Consciousness is the active ingredient in facing rumors, and it is what makes the public able to distinguish and choose from what is presented to.