A short history of pandemic coverage on the Internet

SARS, H1N1 and MERS

Authors

  • Will Mari Louisiana State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v25i11.10826

Keywords:

internet history, online news, journalism

Abstract

This short history of previous online pandemic news coverage (of SARS, H1N1, MERS, c. 2003–2012) draws on Pew Research Center data and then-contemporary primary sources, including meta-journalistic analysis, to explore continuities and divergences to the present and our ongoing coranavirus pandemic. Numerous trends, including a cycle of neglect and panic, emerged on the Internet in the 2000s, and have become exacerbated over time. Other, more positive trends, such as more interactive and helpfully mediated/curated access to health experts, have also emerged. This study provides important context for our current moment.

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Published

2020-10-14

How to Cite

Mari, W. (2020). A short history of pandemic coverage on the Internet: SARS, H1N1 and MERS. First Monday, 25(11). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v25i11.10826