Navigating the Coronavirus Infodemic: Exploring the Impact of Need for Orientation, Epistemic Beliefs and Type of Media Use on Knowledge and Misperception about COVID-19

The present study explores the relationship between the need for orientation (NFO) and knowledge/misperception about COVID-19 using a two-wave panel survey of U.S. adults (W1: N = 1,119; W2: N = 543). The findings suggest that moderate-active NFO rather than high NFO better predicts individuals' level of knowledge and misperception. We also found that different media use (vertical media and horizontal media) and individuals' epistemic beliefs (intuitionism and rationalism) have distinct implications for knowledge and misperception about COVID-19.