During crisis, the world discovered that social media is great way for individuals and communities to stay connected even while physically separated, here are the three primary roles of social media during a crisis;
1. A SOURCE OF INFORMATION ( DISINFORMATION )
Governments and brands used social media to provide people with a better understanding of events and their impacts. Unfortunately, some people used social media to spread falsehoods or false claims about the implementation, conspiracy, theories and more.
2. AN INFLUENCE ON PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE CRISIS
Billions of people are free to publicly share their opinions regarding a crisis through various social media platforms. During a crisis, we saw individuals, organizations, and businesses use social media to spread awareness, as well as the public actions that can be taken.
3. A POWERFUL WAY TO BRING POSITIVITY TO A SCARY TIME
No platform is perfect, but while we saw misinformation and fear on social media, there was also abundance of life saving information with others. Social media gave us the ability to share experiences with family and friends to help combat both literal and emotional isolation while reminding us that we are all together in this fight.
Reinz Carl Caluban 