The world as we know it has turned upside down. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is spinning out of control over the globe, and there doesn't appear to be an end in sight. It began in December 2019 in China and has developed into a global problem, not at all like anything any of us have ever observed in the past. Today, social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have become leading sources of information. Social media platforms have played a crucial role in disseminating news about the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic.
In the face of COVID-19, social media is a great way for individuals and communities to stay connected even while physically separated. During the 1918 flu pandemic, which infected a third of the world’s population, people didn’t have the same sources of communication we now have in the 21st century to quickly share news and information. For a frame of reference, a public health report on Minneapolis’s response to the 1918 flu shows that critical information regarding the virus was primarily shared via postal workers, Boy Scouts, and teachers. Can you imagine having learned about COVID-19 from a mailman knocking on your door and telling you to wash your hands?
With the advent of social media in the 21st century, not only are we learning the latest news updates, but we’re also using social media platforms to provide personal and business updates. For businesses, this means wringing in social media to support employees and customers like never before. For the government, it means doing its best to efficiently share accurate and up-to-date data.
The four primary roles that social platforms are playing during the COVID-19 outbreak include: Being a source of information (and misinformation), an influence on public response to the outbreak, a marketing platform and a powerful way to bring positivity to a scary time. While many have talked about the negatives of social media during the pandemic, it is important to recognize the good that these platforms are doing to help people during such an unprecedented time.
We have never had more realtime information available at our fingertips in the face of a worldwide event. Such information can help keep us safe, providing us with a better understanding of what is occurring and how it might impact us and those we love but finding trusted sources of information regarding COVID-19 is extremely important. Social media can spread falsehoods, including miracle preventative measures, false claims about the implementation of martial law, conspiracy theories, and more.
Various platforms are taking their role in the crisis seriously and are continuously rolling out new measures to not only raise awareness about the seriousness of coronavirus, but also fight the misinformation about the pandemic. From WhatsApp launching a COVID-19 information hub to Instagram promoting self-isolation and social distancing, many social media platforms understand the wide scope of responsibility and general power they have over the distribution of information and many platforms are rushing to do what they can to help, including donating to support relief efforts, taking steps to prevent fake news, and offering advice to companies.
No platform is perfect but where there has been misinformation and dread on social media, there’s also been an abundance of crucial, lifesaving information, connection with others, and worldwide unity. The ability to share experiences with loved ones helps to combat both actual and emotional isolation while also reminding us that we’re all in this together.
Ways in which social media has made positive impacts during COVID-19 include various fundraisers being organized and distributed on social help raise money for those in need. COVID-19 has put numerous individuals, particularly the old, those with incapacities, working parents who are losing childcare, and those who are losing their jobs, in challenging times. Communities are rallying together to support organizations and individuals by sharing fundraisers with enormous audiences on social media. People are also taking to social media to offer help in any way that they can, such as picking up groceries for people who can’t leave their homes or sharing advice on how to help local businesses who are struggling to pay their staff members.
Posts from people quarantined at home have ranged from videos of living room yoga to pictures of snuggly pets who are thrilled their owners are with them 24/7. There have also been posts acknowledging how difficult and frightening this time is. Posts have ranged from commiseration to overwhelming support. From people making “mental health check in” groups to John Krasinsky making an entire web series from isolation in his home called “Some Good News” to share people's most inspiring, mood-boosting stories and even hosting a virtual farewell for high school seniors who’s proms and farewells were cancelled.
These are just a few out of the millions of examples where people have shown their support and compassion on social media. And while the tone and conveyance change, the message from one person to another is consistent: you are not alone in this, there are silver linings to be appreciated, and it is alright to experience this in any number of ways.