The Impact of Social Media During a Period Of Pandemic
One minute read. Written by Avishi Mishra – a grade 9 student.
We live in the modern ages; times of technological advancement, where social media is a big part of our everyday lives.
One minute read. Written by Avishi Mishra – a grade 9 student.
We live in the modern ages; times of technological advancement, where social media is a big part of our everyday lives. It has a large impact on our image of the self, of others and of current events.
But, social media can be a double edged sword – and we’re seeing that example today. The Coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by shock. Thousands of lives have been affected by it and the number of countries in its grasp also seem to be growing. Everybody is talking about it, and a lot of that conversation is on social media.
Social platforms such as Instagram and What’s App are having a major effect on people’s understanding of COVID-19.
Firstly, there is the fake news and panic domino effect. Troublemakers with the urge to strike panic amongst the people, spread fake news about the virus. This information is generally targeted to those who are unaware of authentic and inauthentic sources of information online. Such people are the elderly and the uneducated, for example. When fake news is shared with even one vulnerable person who isn’t aware of the concept of fake news, it spreads like wildfire. People feel the need to share this information they find because they feel that it is helpful of them. This is why it is very important to be aware of the differences between real and fake news in this technologically advanced world.
Secondly, we see a lot of positive use of social media too. Through social media, organizations such as WHO (world health organization) have been able to reach the masses with true information. Celebrities have shared such reputable organizations’ authentic information through their large social following. Through the media, there has been high transparency of quarantine conditions, death rates, sick rates and rates of improvement.
It is clear that social media seems to always have both a positive and negative impact on whatever happens in our lives. But we need to be careful of what we read and forward – we check the authenticity of the message and not add to spreading the panic.
Written by Avishi Mishra.
Avishi is a 14-year old student of grade 9. She loves to read, write and watch Netflix 🙂
Comments
Excellent. The article address both the sides of social media impact in these troublesome times. Appreciate Avishi educating community with right massage at right time.
What a balanced perspective the article provides. Well done Avishi!
Thank you for taking the time to read the article. Avishi writes beautifully!