(Mis)information and anxiety: Evidence from a randomized Covid-19 information campaign

Dispelling misinformation during crises is critical to public health. But information can also induce distress. We ask whether the mode of information delivery affects mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic. We randomized Indian migrant workers to receive Covid-19-related information through text messages, a pre-recorded audio message, or live phone calls. Phone calls increased knowledge among individuals without smartphones and reduced depression and anxiety overall. The amount of information delivered explains gains in knowledge but not improvements in mental health. Governments should consider broadcasts through live phone calls given their mental health benefits.