What happened to social media during the pandemic
Our Top 3 picks on how social media has been forever altered by the pandemic.
In a few days all Covid-19 restrictions in England will end, bar some minor regulations. The nation's battle with Coronavirus is far from over, but the newest relaxation offers a ray of sunshine to the end of what has been a very long tunnel.
During the pandemic the world changed astronomically and social media was no different. But what were those fundamental changes? Has social media really become a different beast?
Honestly, there’s been too many changes to mention. So here’s our top 3 picks.
Video calling became the norm
I bet you can’t remember the last time you talked about social media and the pandemic without mentioning the word Zoom.
Predictably, video calling sky-rocketed during coronavirus as millions sought for new ways to connect. There’s no doubt that Zoom earned itself the top spot, with many using it for leisure and business alike. Will it outlive the pandemic? You have to believe so…
Yes, leaving the house behind to rejoice sociallably with lost friends, will be the priority. However, the world now realises how easy it is to connect visually with your absent pals. Consequently, a classic phone call may become a thing of the past. This is especially true for the older generation who have seemingly magically understood video conference technology this past year, ever since they were forced to use it.
The TikTok revolution
The biggest change to the social media landscape was the emergence of TikTok. How many said they wouldn’t download it at the start of the pandemic? How many proceeded to download it and are now addicted? Is that you? Join the club.
Generally speaking, we all like to feel a part of something, and with the negative nature of Covid-19, that something was TikTok. When your daily life is mediated by screens, you want that content to be positive. Evidently, social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook have remained popular, but the 576% increase in users on TikTok, from 2019 to 2020, suggests a significant change to the social media landscape. Thought TikTok was just a phase? No chance.
When did politics and social media become the same thing?
Yes, people used social media to escape from the pandemic, but social media also became a hotbed for all things Covid-19, and generally speaking, all things political. There’s no doubt, TikTok has changed the landscape of social media, but so has politics. Now social media is the number one place for politicians to utilise their various messages, Twitter especially, and to discuss general political debate.
Most notably, the United States had a whole Presidential race during the pandemic. Of course, Donald Trump was one of many world leaders who used social media to its fullest. Former President Trump became a serial liar it seemed, his misinformation earning himself a ban from many platforms. Nevertheless, while he served fake news, the WHO battled it, trying to stop an unwinnable war against misinformation. This was suitably named the first social media “infodemic”. Did you fall foul of some “fake news”?
Zoom, TikTok and Donald Trump. I doubt you’ll see them on any top 3 tier list any time soon. There’s little doubt video calling has only entered its youth as businesses continue to thrive by working from home. TikTok is currently an unstoppable force and politicians will always do whatever they can for the slightest advantage. So don’t expect any to slow down.