how different is the content on social media as compared to before
Over the last few weeks, terrors of contagion mingled with quarantine and travel constraints have urged the masses to resort to social media. Social media users feel a sense of security to connect, be engrossed, divert attention, and look for insight without fear of contracting the deadly disease. July 2020 saw a hike in social media usage, in comparison to July 2019. Several have stated that more time has been spent on social media during the pandemic.
In times of COVID social media, its information and its content is different than it was prior to the pandemic:
1. Emergence of situation-appropriate applications: Previously texting and voice calls were enough as a mode of communication but now things have changed. The masses want to view one another. This has given rise to apps that used to dawdle behind the scenes; their existence has now been elevated. Apps like Google Meet, Google Duo, and Houseparty, which permits friend groups to join a single visual call to play games and solve riddles together. These applications have now become more prevalent than Instagram and Snapchat, the usual favourites.
2. Content about the virus to provide awareness and information: The ones concentrating on the virus have cramped out the wide inquisitiveness that attracts people to websites like Wikipedia that were unpopular before that involves deteriorating numbers before a present-day rise.
3. Content creation via upcoming Applications that have emerged during the pandemic: Virtual video calling platforms were used by only a few prior to COVID-19 but are now used by almost every human being. Schools and offices have officially shifted into our homes. This activity is having a maximum influence on networked ventures. School homework is being allotted out on Google Classroom. Meetings are taking place on Zoom, Google Hangouts and Microsoft Teams, apps which were highly overlooked prior to COVID-19. Reality TV auditions and competitions are too being held via Zoom and Google meet, this is a new and efficient way to create and share content and make use of new technology.
Social media has various merits and demerits, the wise use of this gizmo can excessively help during a pandemic. From instant spread of fresh essential instructions and knowledge, sharing treatment related news and comparing it to that of other places from various corners of the Earth to acclimating them to our comfort. However there is the drawback of potential circulation of false details and conclusions that along with quarantine may convince people to resort to depression, anxiety and even suicide. Therefore, it is sensible to not add to misinformation and choose and undertake a smart usage of social media.