Table 2.

Percentage analysis of media use pattern (N = 426).

No.	Description	Category	Category wise respondents (n)	Percentage
1	How many hours a day do you spend on social media channels?	<5 h	69	16.2
		5–9 h	291	68.3
		>9 h	66	15.5
2	How many hours a day do you spend watching news on the TV?	<2 h	267	62.7
		2–3 h	116	27.2
		>3 h	43	10.1
3	On which type of media channel do you rely the most for authentic news or information?	Social media	104	24.4
		Television	238	55.9
		Others	84	19.7
4	What type of media channel according to you is the most dependable during the COVID-19 crisis?	Social media	95	22.3
		Television	266	62.4
		Others	65	15.3
5	Through which media channels do you keep yourself updated about the ongoing COVID-19 crisis?	Social media	134	31.4
		Television	238	55.9
		Others	54	12.7
6	Do you think that social media channels spread more fake news than other media?	Yes	346	81.2
		No	80	18.8
7	Do you verify the information that you receive on social media channels?	Always	157	36.9
		Mostly	209	49.1
		Rarely	52	12.2
		Never	8	1.88
8	Do you post information on COVID-19 to social media channels without verifying it?	Yes	36	8.5
		No	390	91.5
9	Do you refer to the WHO & ICMR websites for understanding and maintaining COVID-19-related hygiene?	Yes	332	77.9
		No	94	22.1
10	Do you think that despite some negative implications, social media channels played a significant role during the COVID-19 crisis?	Yes	382	89.7
		No	44	10.3