How The Pandemic Affected Social Media
The COVID-19 Pandemic has affected the usage of social media by the world's general population, celebrities, world leaders, and professionals alike. Social Networking Services have been used to spread information, and to find humor and distraction from the pandemic as well.
The Pandemics Impact on Social Media and Mental Health
Social distancing has forced lifestyle changes for many people, which put a strain on mental health. Many online counseling services that use social media were created and began to rise in popularity, as they could safely connect mental health workers with those who need them.COVID-19 has limited in-person social interactions, but people are connecting online more than ever. For example social media engagement increased 61% during the first wave of the pandemic. For many, social media has become a lifeline to the outside world, especially as people look for ways to remain connected and entertained. There is extensive psychology research proving that connectivity with others develops a sense of belonging and psychosocial wellbeing, which enhances mental health and reduces risk for anxiety and depression. The overload of information and the constant use of social media has been shown to positively correlate with an increase of depression and anxiety.
Impact of Social Media Misinformation
An overwhelming amount of misinformation across social media has also been a major source of anxiety and stress. The spread of potentially harmful information became so prevalent during the pandemic that many sites, including Facebook and Twitter, have started flagging and, in some cases, removing, content not based in facts. Despite these efforts, social media users are still bombarded with images, articles, and posts that spread misinformation and contribute to an already heightened sense of fear.
The impact of information can be extremely stressful, particularly as users try to get a handle on their own feelings connected to the social and political issues of the past year. To counteract any negative side effects that go along with increased social media use.
Increase on Engagement
In a study of people's engagement on the internet and social media collected from July 2019 - 2020 indicated a 10.5% increase of active social media users. Instagram reported a 70% increase in viewers of live videos from February to March when lockdown measures began. A study in July, four months after the first COVID-19 lockdown measures, polled what individuals' purpose was when they used social media as well as other connective technologies. 83% of people stated it "helps me cope with COVID-19 related lockdown" This was the largest response measured against other responses such as education, keeping in touch with friends and family, and work which were 76%, 74%, and 67% respectively, and reflects the reliance on social media in critical aspects of people's lives during the pandemic.
Because of the pandemic, people have to decrease their social activities to protect each other. Students also have to study online, and most students use social media as a new way to study. Researchers found the advantage of using social media to study and some disadvantages about this for students. Also, social media is very important for governments to spread information about COVID-19. Social media is indispensable for students during the pandemic. When people need to stay at home, using social media is the most effective way to work with others. Also, using social media for cooperation can also help students handle more techniques. For example, when students use social media to work with group members, they can understand how to communicate and collaborate with others. During the process, members can help each other and figure out problems of themselves