Analysis of the web-based communication of information and behavioral recommendations from the German Federal Government regarding the Covid-19 pandemic

Online communication by state bodies such as the federal government is particularly relevant in times of the corona pandemic, as they must fulfill their duty to provide reliable information and behavioral recommendations in times of crisis. The aim of this study is to analyze the online communication of information and behavioral recommendations by the German government via its website on the Covid-19 pandemic in order to understand how citizens perceive the information, interaction options with the website and behavioral recommendations. For this purpose, an online survey was carried out, which was based on selected criteria of appropriate communication from a communication-theoretical perspective. The results show that the majority of the respondents perceived the communicated content, interactions and behavioral recommendations on the website of the federal government in accordance with the criteria considered here to a satisfactory extent. The survey also shows that when communicating content and recommendations for action, more focus on values such as freedom, solidarity or participation is desired.