Social media played a huge role in the 2020 pandemic. Government agencies used it to communicate with
Fantastic news! We've Found the answer you've been seeking!
Question:
Social media played a huge role in the 2020 pandemic. Government agencies used it to communicate with the public with varying degrees of success. Everyday people also used social media to share information about the coronavirus and to stay connected with loved ones while practicing social distancing. Some people (and hamsters) shared tips for keeping safe during the pandemic, others shared what life was like while in quarantine, and some people issued dangerous social media challenges under the auspices of "raising awareness." Misinformation was also widely circulated.
- A Hamster Giving PSA Advice Against #CoronaVirus Outbreak #TikTok" https://www.tiktok.com/@hamstarz/video/6801990390607121670?lang=en (0:15 mins)
- TickTok viral covid 19 hygiene dance https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2020/03/17/coronavirus-covid-19-hygiene-viral-tiktok-dance-john-oliver-lu-stout-pkg-intl-ldn-vpx.cnn
- NBC News: "Colorado Man Living in China Posts Brutally Honest Instagram Videos of Coronavirus Self-Quarantine" (1:49 mins)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvNDyKx8ZwY
- TikTok Star Tests POSITIVE After #CoronavirusChallenge!!!" (4:36 mins)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2Khres5Vc8
- ABC News: "AZ Man Dies Self-Medicating for COVID-19" (2:34)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE-sKRFGvDU
- CBS News: "Facebook Fights Spread of Coronavirus Misinformation" (4:41)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IlV5OEiprk
- WHO Facebook post: "FACT: Drinking Methanol, Ethanol or Bleach DOES NOT Prevent or Cure COVID-19 and Can be Extremely Dangerous"https://www.facebook.com/WHO/photos/rpp.154163327962392/3040991822612847/?type=3&theater
About the Videos:
- Some social media posts from private citizens, like the TikTok hamster video, were helpful, in that they spread important facts. Do you agree with this statement? Why? If you don't agree that such posts serve a useful public health function, explain.
- What do you think Colorado Man's Instagram stories contributed to the coronavirus discussion? What purpose did the videos serve for him? For his followers?
- Did you use social media to share or receive information about the pandemic?
- Did you use social media to connect with friends and family? If so how?
- Social media has a dark side, as evidenced by the #CoronavirusChallenge. What do you think about that challenge?
- Are you aware of other challenges that emerged during the pandemic? If so, were they helpful or did they cause harm? Explain.
- What is your reaction to the news story about the man who died after ingesting chloroquine?
- The man was influenced by statements made by President Trump during a press conference in which Trump endorsed chloroquine--that endorsement spread quickly through social media. What additional harm came (or could have come) as a result of that misinformation spreading so quickly?
- As a public health worker, how would you have handled social media rumors and misinformation about chloroquine and other "cures?"
- Based on your knowledge of the situation, do you think public health agencies, like the WHO, responded adequately?
- Do you think the WHO's Facebook post was a sufficient-enough response? Why or why not?
- Do you think Facebook did enough to fight the spread of misinformation? Explain.
- Weighing the pros and cons, do you think social media was more beneficial than it was harmful during the pandemic? Why? Explain.
Related Book For
Posted Date: