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In the past, news was spread through newspapers, television, and online articles. Today, many of us receive our news from our favorite social media sites while scrolling through posts from our friends and family. How are we affected by this immediate messaging?
While some sites have truly capitalized on up-to-the-minute news sharing by instantaneous updates and hosting live video, other sites have gotten a bad reputation for “fake news” stories and spreading misinformation.
With the recent updates concerning the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, it seems the news is changing drastically day-by-day and in some cases, by the hour. The overwhelming nature of a national emergency, paired with the ongoing chatter of online opinions, solutions, and recommendations, can make anyone feel panicked.
More so, many businesses are closed to the public, offices have moved to remote work, and communities are practicing “social distancing” - leaving many to the will] of social media for more information. How do you combat feeling drained from social media posts, while also staying informed of what’s happening in your city?
Social distancing boils down to keeping a healthy distance between yourself and others. If coming in contact with others is completely unavoidable, maximizing the physical distance between you (at least 6 ft) can help in times of crisis.
Further still, social distancing works to minimize contact with other people in general. That means staying at home as much as possible, avoiding large crowds, and avoiding public transportation.
The term has become popular in light of the recent Coronavirus outbreak, as health professionals have urged communities to stay at home to slow the spread and “flatten the curve.”
Now, many are stuck in their homes unsure of what to do and how to take the proper precautions, so they turn to social media for answers. Even if you weren’t looking for it, it’s probable that many of your friends, family and profiles you follow will be posting about how they are affected and what you should be doing.
When using your social platforms as a way to receive news, there are a few best practices to keep yourself afloat.
It’s easy to drown in content, so make sure to follow accounts that are verified for the most legitimate information. This could include news outlets like CNN and the Huffington Post, or even your local governor.
When you see negative comments or sentiment surrounding recent news, it's okay to mute, unfriend, or unfollow these accounts. It’s important to consider your mental health while scrolling your feed. Any account that you find to be disruptive and destructive, you may need to take a second to disconnect.
Always double check information you receive from the internet. This may go without saying, but not everyone online is fully informed of the situations they chose to speak on. Even if the source you’re following is verified, make sure to do your due diligence in researching to ensure you get the whole picture.
If you’re having trouble disconnecting from all of the negative information you see on your social media channels, here are a few ways to “socially distance” yourself from social media:
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Social media can be an excellent tool for businesses and personal users alike. When clouded with opinions, things can feel overwhelming and negativity can spiral. Whether managing an account for a business or solely scrolling for your own benefit, keep in mind that social media should be something used positively.
Social media’s main purpose is to connect communities. Especially during a time of uncertainty, it is important to utilize these platforms for the common good.
With the help of social media, businesses can:
As a consumer and individual user on social media, utilize these platforms to:
As we continue to learn about the severity of the problem and actively look for solutions for this pandemic, it's important we all pledge to use social media for good and the well-being of our community. Communities this large are powerful - make sure we are working towards a solution, not adding to the problem.
For more information on how to adjust your marketing strategy for your business in times of crisis, read our latest blog.
