The words of ethics across the media, in a time of pandemic. From misinformation to solidarity

In such a peculiar time as the one we are living in now due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, our perception of risk and uncertainty have exponentially grown. The media have changed their lexicon, redefining some of their keywords, and have taken ad hoc communication strategies. Such new communication narrative requires an ethical reflection, which should spur us to move along the pivotal principles of behaving ‘well’ in a social context where everyone’s behaviour takes on paramount importance, as it can make all the difference in lessening and/or expanding the risk of contagion, as can misinformation. It goes without saying that this means values and principles such as awareness, (joint) responsibility and trust, which may strengthen the relationship among individuals (experts and ordinary citizens), institutions and media, for a new sense of community, built on mutual solidarity. A ‘good’ communication built on such concepts can make the most of contemporary individualistic atomism to increase awareness and extend a truly supportive feel, for the sake of public welfare for oneself and for others, as individuals but above all as a community.