Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social media

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Social media became increasingly active as a platform for interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with the onset of social distancing. According to a study conducted by Facebook's analytics department, messaging rates rose by over 50% during this period. Individuals confined to their homes utilized social media not only to maintain social connections but also as a source of entertainment to alleviate boredom.^[1]

Despite its widespread use, concerns arose regarding the overreliance on social media for primary social interactions, particularly given the constraints imposed by the pandemic.^[2][3]

The global population, including celebrities, world leaders, and professionals, turned to social networking services to disseminate information, find humor through internet memes, and cope with the challenges of social distancing.^[4][5] However, the shift to virtual interactions exacerbated mental health issues fo many,^[1] prompting the rapid rise of online counselling that leveraged social media platforms to connect mental health workers with those in need.^[6]

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the phenomenon of misinformation on social media, often referred to as an "infodemic." Platforms like Twitter and YouTube provided direct access to content, making users susceptible to rumors and unreliable information that could significantly impact individual behaviors and undermine collective efforts against the virus.^[7] Furthermore, social media became crucial for politicians, political movements, and health organizations at various levels to disseminate critical information swiftly and effectively reach the public.