Information-seeking behaviour during crisis caused by a terrorist attack in Israel

Introduction. In an information age, individuals encounter the challenge of staying updated due to the excessive amount of information bombarding their digital devices. This challenge becomes even more pronounced during crises, as the need for immediate updates intensifies. The surprise attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7th led numerous Israelis to rely on social media or television for immediate updates. This study seeks to explore the information-seeking behaviour of Israeli citizens during the crisis and its consequences. Method. The study is based on a qualitative research method. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 25 participants were conducted. Analysis. The coding process identified three main categories: the context of information needs, sources, and barriers. Within the themes, specific subcategories were identified. Results. Participants adopted three coping strategies to manage information overload and anxiety: filtering, omission/avoiding, and using multiple channels. Information anxiety both motivates and hinders information-seeking, as it prompts individuals to reduce uncertainty, yet exposure to overwhelming amounts of information can increase anxiety, leading to avoidance. These findings underscore the complex dynamics between information anxiety and information-seeking behaviour of a complicated conflict. Conclusion. This study provides valuable insights into the information-seeking behaviour of Israeli citizens amid an armed conflict.