The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created a global health crisis that has had a deep impact on the way we perceive our world and our everyday lives. Today, social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, have become primary sources of information. They are also used for fake news and disinformation. During a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, how should social media be used?

Here are a few ways social media is being used during this pandemic:

1. Providing facts

Use your social media platforms to constantly update facts. People turn to social media to fact-check content which helps them to cope with the outbreak, and to filter out the ‘fake news’. There has been a global call for social media to act as a reliable source of information, especially as the flow of information on feeds is constant.  And for that, you need to continuously review and refine your content based on the ongoing situation and the news.

2. Staying connected

Social media helps people stay connected virtually. From video calling, texting, work meetings, everything is done virtually to maintain social distance. And most people are getting affected mentally because they lack human interaction. Social media plays a huge part in keeping everyone connected.

3. Interactive posts

With the COVID-19 outbreak disrupting business around the world, business owners are coming up with creative new ways to connect with and inspire their communities.   Having interactive posts doesn’t only give your page engagement but it’ll also help boost your followers and it encourages comments, shares and likes, and build a sense of community around your brand. Plus, as a side benefit, they are also a lot of fun for you and your fans.

4.  Live stream

Since social gatherings are not allowed, the only alternative way would be to live stream events. People are looking for ways to connect and communicate with others through digital channels. Make them meet virtually by creating a dedicated space on your website, Facebook page or Instagram. For instance, the Cincinnati Zoo came up with a fun and educational, live online event for kids. Every day at 3PM ET the zoo would host a fun, at-home classroom experience for the community called “Home Safari Facebook Live,” in which they highlight one of their animals and include fun activities.

Social media is a powerful tool, especially in times like these, brands need to be resilient and they’ll be remembered for putting their audience before profits and for taking action. There’s an opportunity here like never before to connect on a new level with consumers, and to build long-term connections that should continue even after the pandemic.

Source: 

https://www.hec.edu/en/knowledge/instants/what-role-social-media-during-covid-19-crisis-0
ps://wearesocial.com/blog/2020/04/covid-19-social-medias-role-and-how-brands-should-be-responding
https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/13638/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-the-impact-and-role-of-mass-media-during-the-pandemic https://sproutsocial.com/insights/covid19-social-media-changes/