Social media influence in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Never before in human history has it been possible to communicate so quickly during a pandemic, social media platforms have been a key piece for the dissemination of information; however, there are multiple advantages and disadvantages that must be considered. Responsible use of these tools can help quickly disseminate important new information, relevant new scientific findings, share diagnostic, treatment, and followup protocols, as well as compare different approaches globally, removing geographic boundaries for the first time in history. In order to use these tools in a responsible and useful way, it is recommended to follow some basic guidelines when sharing information on social networks in the COVID-19 era. In this paper, we summarize the most relevant information on the influence, and advantages, and disadvantages of the use of social networks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The role of social media in spreading panic among primary and secondary school students during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online questionnaire study from the Gaza Strip, Palestine

“…All these practices cause more fear, panic, anxiety and depression among school students. The previous studies showed that the panic resulted from the spreading of information about the COVID-19 pandemic on social media spreads faster than the virus itself and has short and long consequences [ 7 , 21 , 67 ].…”

“…They found out that more exposure to misinformation from social media would increase panic and fear of COVID-19. González-Padilla and Tortolero-Blanco [ 7 ] highlighted the impact of social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. They reported that Social media has a positive and negative impact, the correct use of social media platforms can help to rapidly spread trusted information, sharing possible treatments, avoiding infection, quarantine measurements as well as follow-up protocols for both suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19.…”

“…Social media platforms have played a positive and negative role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social media has become a helpful tool for individuals to communicate with friends and family during quarantine periods to minimize the negative effect of isolation which has been linked with anxiety, stress, and fear [ 7 ]. Also, It helps to rapidly spread necessary information, identifying symptoms, sharing treatment, and employing control measures from other countries, and adapting them with available resources.…”

“…Social media did not only affect the psychological status of the public but also negatively affected the status of buying and selling in the countries that the COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly spread. It was noticed that the misinformation spread on social media made people buy a huge amount of face masks, soaps, toilet paper, medicines, foods, etc., these practices lead to an imbalance in the markets and affect the other sectors in these countries [ 7 ]. Also, some individuals posted or shared posts on social media platforms regarding empty shops, markets, and pharmacies lead to spread panic related to necessities shortage such as food, medicines, as well as detergents [ 25 ].…”

Community-Clinical Partnership: Engaging health navigators to support refugees and non-refugee immigrants amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

“…However, they reported healthcare and local community-based resources as their most trusted sources of COVID-19 information. Social media pages with content informed by local clinicians, health professionals, and community leaders could minimize ambiguity of health messaging, facilitate accurate risk appraisal, inform protective behaviors, and allow for more trusted engagement with this population [33][34][35].…”