Social Media & Coronavirus

Social Media can be seen as both a source of good and evil in contemporary society. During this period of Lockdown, inevitably we turn to these apps/sites to communicate with our loved ones when we can’t physically be with them. People like Joe Wicks have utilised Youtube to run online PE sessions that are attracting 1000s of people every day to get up and get active. The clap for Key workers originated on Social media but has since become a national event covered by our major Television broadcasters. But what impact is social media having on the way that we are dealing with this crisis? Is it taking up too much of our time or is it a force for positive thinking during a period of uncertainty? Here's what the team at Loop have to say:

On the one hand, I think social media has been positive during the COVID-19 crisis as it has allowed people stuck in the lockdown conditions to communicate via apps such as Houseparty, Zoom and also Facetime to stay in touch. This reduces the feelings of isolation and keeps people in some kind of contact with each other which may be a benefit to people who’s mental health may be greatly affected by this time. However, I also think social media has been using the crisis of Coronavirus to embellish and create a further moral panic as a shock factor story on some social media news platforms. This may result in heightened fear and spread false news which may have a large impact on people’s mental health.

Social media has been ultimately successful in uniting people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolation is starting to take its toll on people all over the world, and apps like Facetime and Google Hangouts are helping people to stay in touch to their loved ones, from the safety and comfort of their own homes. It can be said that social media is positively impacting our lives during this time, however, it is also reminding us of what we can’t have. Social interactions with friends and family, reminding us we can’t see them. The intensity of coverage of the pandemic on the news creates unwanted tension. Although it is important to keep people up to date, the amount of coverage and statistics that are being thrown in our direction negatively impacts on people’s wellbeing.