Social media: More important than ever right now

We might feel isolated but even in the depths of the lockdown we’re still one world and one community, so having the option to go on social media and share our feelings, thoughts, concerns, fears and gratitude makes that easier to remember, and it keeps a sense of togetherness at the front of our minds.

Information overload

However, on the flip side, it’s essential that we are all careful about how we use platforms during the coronavirus crisis; especially when it comes to information overload.

The sheer amount of information out there, including ‘fake news’, is now greater than ever. This quite naturally leads to overthinking and different forms of anxiety. It’s not helped by the fact that we’re only allowed to leave the house once a day for exercise. Our perspectives and realities are completely out of sync.

Publishers now more than ever have a huge responsibility to provide accurate information and stories to their followers. I’ve been thoroughly disheartened to see stories that are clearly designed to scaremonger, get clicks and ultimately drive profits. That shouldn’t be allowed to happen but it’s tough for people to know who they can trust.

With a fast and ever-changing situation like this, it’s important that everyone does their bit to put wellbeing and a healthy state of mind above revenues. It’s about ethics, not profits.

The importance of truth and accessibility

On a practical level, publishers and platforms should only be sharing verified and truthful stories or video content. They need to be fact-checking everything – only reporting news that they think can be helpful and positive and not focussing on negative clickbait. They must also make information easy for people to access and digest such as creating infographics that collate official updates from the government.

In a time where we need to band together as one, initiatives like Instagram’s Stay At Home story feature, which encourages users to share their videos of them following government guidelines, and Facebook’s Information Centre, can directly encourage social behaviours that will ultimately save lives.

I also passionately believe that it’s important publishers bring some kind of respite to their followers. Sharing a story or moment that is inspirational and motivating can add so much value to someone’s day.

The British public’s ability to laugh and maintain its sense of humour as a coping mechanism – even in dark times – should never be underestimated. Now more than ever, people still want to see things that brighten their day and lift their mood. The surge in livestream exercise sessions like HIIT, pump, yoga, meditation – and obviously Joe Wicks’ insanely popular PE classes – has also been a game-changer. They’re all about positivity and are designed to help.

It’s easy to get hung up about the negatives that can be associated with social media, but during this time of isolation people need to see the benefits of how to engage with it in a healthy way – especially if we see someone struggling or being unusually distant, as small gestures can go a very long way.

We’re all in this together, after all.