In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, social media is a great way for individuals and communities to stay connected even while physically separated.
With the advent of social media in the 21st century, not only are we learning the latest news updates, but we’re also using platforms like Facebook and Twitter to provide personal and business updates.
For businesses, this means leveraging social media to support employees and customers like never before. For the government, it means doing its best to efficiently share factual and up-to-date information.
Taking a look at how individuals, businesses, and government agencies have been sharing information and interacting with others on social media in the past few months, here are four primary roles that social platforms are playing during the COVID-19 outbreak.
1. A source of information (and misinformation)
Never have we had more realtime information available at our fingertips in the face of such a worldwide event. This 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.
Yet, social media can also spread falsehoods, including miracle preventative measures, false claims about the implementation of martial law, conspiracy theories, and more.
Finding trusted sources of information regarding COVID-19 is extremely important.
Social media companies are working to combat misinformation on coronavirus and the pandemic
At a time where many of us are grappling for as much information as we can get our hands on, the public is especially susceptible to false and sometimes hazardous claims, which are then passed on to others.
A joint industry statement on COVID-19 from Microsoft, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Reddit, Twitter and YouTube: pic.twitter.com/uKEXvjMuBi
— Microsoft (@Microsoft) March 17, 2020
Distinguishing between trustworthy and untrustworthy pandemic sources on social media
The best rule of thumb for making sure information is accurate is to check original sources and make sure that:
- a) those sources are indeed trustworthy, and
- b) the information was relayed accurately.
Just because someone claims to have learned something from a reliable source doesn’t mean they’re relaying that information accurately.
If you’re the one presenting information, whether on behalf of a business or your personal account, it’s your responsibility to cite and fact-check your own sources. Be wary of using verbiage that is alarmist or absolute.
There are still so many unknowns about the virus, and nobody is sure what the coming weeks and months hold. It’s always best to be cognisant of this and avoid unnecessary bold statements.
2. An influence on public response to the pandemic outbreak
Billions of people are free to publicly share their opinions on COVID-19 across various social platforms. In the past few months, we’ve seen individuals, organisations, and businesses use social media to spread awareness of COVID-19, as well as the public actions that can be taken.
Here are a few of the most distinct ways social media has influenced the public since the virus reached epidemic and pandemic levels.
Social distancing and home quarantine are trending
Until a few months ago, many of us hadn’t even heard of “social distancing,” which refers to staying at least 6 feet away from others to help prevent the spread of infection.
Now, social media users, from friends and family to celebrities and governments, are regularly calling for social distancing.
Stay at home as much as possible. Listen to the experts, ignore the morons (foreheads). We will get through this together. pic.twitter.com/FRg41QehuB
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) March 16, 2020
Boasting and shaming panic buying
Many people have been excessively purchasing household goods, sanitisation products, and food in fear that necessities will no longer be accessible – just like they do when there is a hurricane or some other natural disaster.
This over-purchasing has become so commonplace that social media users have coined a phrase to describe it: panic buying.
On social, panic buying is being discussed in two distinct ways:
- 1) people are posting about their own panic buying, showing images of carts filled with toilet paper, water bottles, and frozen meals; and
- 2) people are posting pictures of empty shelves or other people’s carts as a way to shame supposed panic buyers.
3. A marketing platform
The COVID-19 outbreak presents a defining moment for many brands in how they choose to market their product.
Unfortunately, we’re going to see people who are selling snake oil-type products (think essential oils claiming to provide immunity).
Some businesses will prey on mass hysteria, especially businesses putting extra dollars behind social media ads, selling products like hand sanitisers and face-masks (despite frequent claims from health organisations that face-masks are not effective if you don’t have the disease).
Popular hashtags popping up related to social distancing and quarantining include #socialdistancing, #quarantineandchill, and #mypandemicsurvivalplan.
Socially responsible product marketing
Despite the uptick in alarmist-focused media spend, there are many businesses providing powerful and empathetic responses to COVID-19.
The main responsibility of brands right now is to provide for the safety and well being of their employees and customers. That said, there are certain business models that lend themselves particularly well to providing relief for many people during this time.
Streaming services, for instance, are providing entertainment for those bored at home. Markets and restaurants with delivery services are able to safely provide groceries and meals to those unable to venture out. Online courses are being offered for free and at reduced prices.
All in all, we’re seeing many businesses do the best they can to ease the fear and discomfort being experienced by so many.
4. A powerful way to bring positivity to a scary time
No platform is perfect.
But where there has been misinformation and fear on social media, there’s also been an abundance of vital, lifesaving information, connection with others, and global unity.
The ability to share experiences with family and friends helps to combat both literal and emotional isolation while also reminding us that we’re all in this together.
Here are a few of the ways that social media has made positive impacts during COVID-19.
Fundraisers organised and distributed on social media to help raise money for those in need
COVID-19 has put many people, especially the elderly, those with disabilities, working parents who are losing childcare, and those who are losing their jobs, in challenging situations.
Communities are rallying together to support organisations and individuals by sharing fundraisers with large audiences on social media.
People are also taking to social media to offer support in any way they can, such as picking up groceries for individuals who are unable to leave home or sharing information on how to support local businesses who are struggling to pay their employees.
People are posting pictures and videos to share their pandemic experiences
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.
There is still a lot to learn…
These are just a couple of the millions of examples where people have shown their support and empathy on social media.
While tone and delivery vary, the message from one user to another remains constant: you are not alone in this, there are silver linings to be enjoyed, and it’s okay to experience this in any number of ways.
This is the first time any living generation has experienced a pandemic of this scale, and we’re just beginning to understand social media’s ultimate role.
The public and businesses alike respond to such an unprecedented global event. And how those responses on a public platform influence not just the actions of individuals, but of corporations and governments.
In years to come, it will serve as an incredibly precise case study.
