What role has Social Media Played in COVID-19?

In the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), many turned to social media for
information and guidance. There are both positive and negative aspects to this
behavior. These range from the spread of misinformation to the indispensable role
social media has played in the dissemination of accurate information and mental
health education. This article looks at both the challenges and benefits, considering
who is potentially more likely to use social media and thus be impacted by the
information imparted on the digital platforms that are now an integral part of our daily
lives.

The novel coronavirus has caused severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) worldwide. Since its declaration as a public health emergency of
international concern by the WHO in March 2020, the mortality rate associated with
the ensuing COVID-19 pandemic has reached proportions of between 2% and 3%
worldwide,higher than that of the Spanish Influenza (H1N1) which occurred early in
the twentieth century. In the wake of the crisis, many turned to social media to find
information,support, and help them cope with the emotional toll.

Social media and other digital platforms serve to provide information and keep people
connected. However, the spread of misinformation on social media and other digital
platforms has been deemed to be as much of a threat to public health as the virus
itself. The problem of inaccurate information serves to undermine the global response
to the pandemic by eroding public trust and marring attempts to control its spread.

The ubiquity of pessimistic information about COVID-19 and its associated

mortalities across newsfeeds on social media has exacerbated the risks for mental ill-
health. Turning to social media in times of anxiety is commonplace. While using
platforms such as Facebook, for example, users can temporarily find relief from their
negative emotions, any positives associated with social media use are known to have
links to addictive behaviors.

In terms of excessive use, the advantages gained from social media use to dispel
mental stress can go into reverse: overuse can pose an increased risk to mental health.
Study findings have shown a potential risk between social media use and emotional
trauma (Abbas, et al. 2021).

The COVID-19 pandemic has led us into a global crisis in mental health. The
administration and dissemination of accurate information concerning the virus is
essential to the expungement of fear and uncertainty ––factors that serve to exacerbate
stress and mental ill-health. A major advantage of social media and other digital
platforms is the ease of access to information.

This easy accessibility presents ample opportunity for education. Such provision of
key information can help reduce the mental health consequences of the pandemic. In
the event of a health crisis, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices are
within easy reach, and many people are now more likely to turn to news feeds on
social media platforms than they are to more traditional sources of media.
In addition to health information, these platforms are a means of relief and an outlet
for peer support. In the event of a health crisis, an emotional outlet such as this has
proven indispensable. But who is more likely to turn to sources and channels such as
these? 67

Young people are avid consumers of social media. Millennials and members
belonging to Generation Z are at a reduced risk of serious effects after contracting
SARS-CoV-2. Members of these groups are also more likely to engage with social
media compared to any other group, frequently engaging with an average of 5 digital
platforms daily ––for example, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and WeChat.

The WHO, in collaboration with Wunderman Thompson, the University of

Melbourne, and Pollfish, undertook an international study involving the use of digital
technologies during a health crisis. The investigation involved around 23, 500
participants aged between 18-40 years from 24 countries across five continents. The
study aimed to find out where members of this cohort go to seek out information,
which sources they deem to be credible, and their awareness of the problems of fake
news and other concerns.

The major findings of the study were that (contrary to common perception) scientific
news and content were deemed to be the most share-worthy information compared to
personal information, images, other articles, and other kinds of information that are
potentially concerning in nature.

The finding contradicts the commonly held belief that funny, entertaining, and
emotional content is more likely to be shared. In addition to this, investigators found
that awareness surrounding the problem of fake news was high, and that users
perceived themselves as well-poised to spot it.

As part of efforts to combat the spread of misinformation and its untoward

consequences for potentially curtailing measures to help control the spread of
infection, the World Health Organization (WHO), academic institutions, and other
official health bodies can use social media in a positive and influential way to dispel
fears and to promulgate accurate medical information to the public. These measures
are particularly valuable in developing countries.

Digital technologies offer us all both advantages and disadvantages in the wake of
unprecedented global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing awareness
of the potential risks social media may pose can help us navigate the use of these
platforms in a positive and beneficial way moving forward.

Williams, Dr. Nicola. (2022, July 27). What role has Social Media Played in COVID-
19?. News-Medical. Retrieved on November 21, 2023 from https://www.news-
medical.net/health/What-Role-has-Social-Media-Played-in-COVID-19.aspx
SUMMARY OF EVENT

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a surge in social media use for information,
creating both positive and negative impacts. The spread of misinformation on these
platforms is seen as a threat to public health, undermining global responses.
Pessimistic information on COVID-19 in social media feeds worsens mental health
risks, even though these platforms provide temporary relief. Excessive social media
use can reverse mental health benefits and potentially lead to emotional trauma.
Young people, particularly millennials and Generation Z, heavily engage with social
media, and a WHO-led study explored their digital technology use during health
crises, revealing a preference for scientific news over entertaining content. Combating
misinformation through positive social media use is crucial, especially in developing
countries, as digital technologies present both advantages and disadvantages in
navigating global challenges like the pandemic. Increasing awareness of potential
risks can help use these platforms positively moving forward.

Reaction.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter,
and Instagram provided essential information, support, and coping strategies. They
facilitated easy access to information, reducing mental health consequences and
providing relief and peer support, especially for young people who consumed it.
However, the spread of misinformation on these platforms posed a significant threat
to public health by eroding trust and impeding global responses. An international
study led by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the role of digital
technologies in understanding user behavior during health crises, emphasizing the
share-worthiness of scientific news over entertaining content. This newfound
awareness and positive use of social media by health organizations contributes to
ongoing efforts in combating misinformation, especially in developing countries. The
positive aspects of information dissemination, education, and support on social media
outweigh the negative impact, making the outcome more positive for the individual.