Social Media’s Role Throughout the Pandemic
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, people have been using social media in a variety of ways including connecting with others and finding new information.
March 7, 2021
When the coronavirus pandemic first began, people were forced to stay home to stay safe from the virus. This caused many people to turn to social media as a way to find new information, connect with others, and entertain themselves while at home.
In March 2020, the world was filled with confusion over COVID-19. With new information being released every day, more uncertainty over the virus was created. Many people did not know how the virus was spreading and how it was affecting their communities. To help clear up the uncertainty, many social media users started posting information concerning the virus. For example, some users posted information on how COVID-19 is spread so that people could understand what precautions to take to stay safe. These posts not only helped to raise awareness about the virus but also educated people around the world on what they could do to protect themselves and others. Even today many posts relating to COVID-19 are still being posted to give social media users the latest information about the virus.
At the start of the pandemic, there was also a sudden need for technology to communicate with others. Zoom became widely used for school, work, and other meetings. Additionally, many people used social media platforms to communicate with friends and family. Social media gave people a way to check up on how others were doing while staying socially distanced. The pandemic was and still is a stressful time for many people, and social media gave them a place to find comfort during their hardships.
Unfortunately, many people have started to share pictures of large group gatherings on social media. Seeing photos of groups of 20 people without masks can be very frustrating to see, especially if you’ve been doing your best to stay safe from COVID-19. In fact, these posts can even encourage people who see them gather in large groups since a post about it makes it seem like it is ok. However, it is important to ignore these posts and keep social distancing to keep yourself safe. Instead of gathering in-person, have virtual meetings with friends. For example, Juliana Neehmeh (10) says that she and her friends “have Zoom meetings every so often to see how each of [them] is doing and just to stay connected.”
Social media has also provided entertainment throughout the pandemic. While everyone was stuck at home, people had to get creative to find something fun to do. Video-sharing platforms such as TikTok and YouTube were flooded with new users who were looking for an activity that would occupy their time. Additionally, many people scrolled endlessly through content on various platforms as a means of entertaining themselves because there were limited activities outside of their homes.
Social media is and will continue to be a major part of our lives. As the pandemic continues, it is crucial to keep recognizing the importance of adapting to the ever-changing information about COVID-19 with the help of social media.
Fiona Salisbury • Mar 19, 2021 at 8:54 PM
Social media has been such a great way to stay connected with people over the pandemic. I do agree that I find it problematic that people post pictures of large gatherings. Hopefully, people can use social media as a way to encourage others to stay safe during the pandemic.
Kylie de Best • Mar 14, 2021 at 9:18 PM
Social media has been a great way to stay connected during this pandemic, as otherwise I would be very lost and not know what is going on at school or what my friends are doing.
Emma Perron • Mar 14, 2021 at 8:35 PM
Social Media has became a terrible thing but also really good. During the pandemic thought it have people a way to connect and to meet people in a such a way. I love this article, great job.
Katelyn Ruggles • Mar 13, 2021 at 6:51 PM
I think social media was definitely used during the pandemic to hold people accountable for going out when they were not supposed to and not wearing masks when needed.
faith desio • Mar 11, 2021 at 6:39 PM
I have found myself scrolling on social media a lot more than before the pandemic. Instagram has been the app that I have used the most in this last year. I like the zooming with friends to stay connected idea! Great article Tiana!
Sharon Sun • Mar 8, 2021 at 6:25 PM
Great work Tiana! I’ve also definitely been way more active on social media during the pandemic outside of Zoom, since it offers an easy medium to communicate with people I know if I can’t in person.
Anita Tun • Mar 8, 2021 at 8:09 AM
I think many of my friends and I have relied on social media during this pandemic because it helps us not be so bored all the time. It especially helped us feel connected during these times too.
Emily Eslao • Mar 7, 2021 at 11:01 PM
I can definitely agree that I’ve turned to social media a lot more than I had before pandemic and the resulting quarantine. It can be frustrating at times, but overall I’m grateful that I have that resource open to me and others- speaking of which, I think the zoom-with-friends idea is super cute!
Paige Reddick • Mar 7, 2021 at 10:15 PM
This is a very informative article, Tiana! Without technology, I could not imagine how difficult this pandemic would be. I’m glad that certain technological platforms can keep us all connected!
danielle huizar • Mar 7, 2021 at 8:16 PM
Social media has played a major role in the pandemic. I like how you highlighted different aspects of how social media effected out day to day lives during the pandemic. For example, I definitely agree that seeing 20 people hanging out without masks on was infuriating. Great article!