Social Media

Story Provided by the University of South Florida Social Media

A Silent Hero Amidst the COVID-19 Global Pandemic

In a world flled with constant uncertainty and unpredictability concerning the global outbreak of COVID-19, there is one aspect of our lives we can all agree on. Following the international spread of the virus, our social relationships were completely transformed into an era of digital communication and virtual connections. We, as a society, shifted from face-to-face interactions to a digital means of connection in a matter of mere days. Despite the swift transition from in-person encounters to virtual interactions, countries all around the world dealt with the emotional and psychological turmoil that followed the signifcant and drastic loss of human connection. Recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate the rise in mental health crises and suicide rates following the fnancial, physical, and emotional burdens of COVID-19. In particular, collectivist cultures that thrive off of inter-communal relationships tremendously suffered following the isolation mandates, communal gathering shutdowns and the overall deprivation of human interaction. However, an unexpected hero emerged amidst these global isolation periods. An unexpected hero that would ultimately serve as a key catalyst in maintaining and creating social relationships at a time where heart-to-heart connections were most needed.

The unexpected and silent hero…social media.

Collectivist cultures flourish from community relationships. Such cultures, as seen in countries like India and Taiwan, place importance on communal goals and the wellbeing of the whole group over individual pursuits, wants and desires. Overall, these cultures emphasize community interactions due to its crucial role

in developing one’s perception of self-worth and wellbeing. The prioritization of communal unity and group dependence ultimately reveals the devastating effects that the global pandemic and its long-term periods of self-isolation brought upon the individuals of these collectivist cultures. Despite the diffculties that collectivist cultures endured amidst the global pandemic, it seemed as though social media and its 21st-century role in the world played a signifcant role in uniting the Asian Indian community during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Indian community ultimately found social media as a means to continue relationships virtually. Facebook pages shared information about

available hospital beds while Instagram pages spread the

news of voluntary programs such as Meals for Madras, which offered free homecooked

meals for families struggling with the fnancial burdens of COVID-19. Over the course of a few days, social media was transformed from simple time pass activities to lifesaving platforms.

“Although the Indian community initially suffered through a lack of face-toface interactions, together, the group used social media in an attempt to maintain heart-to-heart connections

instead”

Although some may argue that social media perpetuated the spread of misinformation and panic concerning the virus, social media paved the way for a new era of human connection during the global pandemic. Digital Diwali and virtual prayer sessions via ZOOM, viral TikTok videos sharing delicious Indian recipes, and online messaging between family members during the bleak periods o f social isolation

ultimately enabled the South

Asian community to maintain their relationships during a time when a sense of community and unity was needed most. In terms of my own experience, social media and its instant messaging capabilities allowed me to contact my relatives in India daily. To be completely honest, it seemed as though the considerable shift in favor of digital communication during the pandemic ultimately brought me closer to my family in India because of the ease and speed that social media offered. Social media during the pandemic enabled all individuals, regardless of age or nationality, to express themselves and feel emotionally connected with people around the world through a mere click of a button. Therefore, not only has the role of social media and its vast influence in

maintaining communal relations been seen on an international scale, but on a personal scale as well. In conclusion, the devastating psychological and emotional turmoil following the outbreak of COVID-19 is without a doubt one of the greatest tragedies of our time. From not being able to hug a loved one to missing out on major family milestones such as weddings and baby showers, the global pandemic seemed to put an end to many social interactions and human connections. In particular, collectivist cultures, such as India, that thrive off of community-based ideals and group relationships with one another suffered major setbacks in terms of emotional wellbeing and personal views of self-worth. However, social media and its rise ultimately offered the South Asian community a new way of life and a platform for intimate connections amidst the global pandemic. In a world where it seemed as though human connection would be far-fetched and implausible, social media ultimately served as a silent, yet powerful hero in bridging the gap between the physically isolated community. The use of social media during the various periods of self-isolation ultimately served as a catalyst for human connection when a FALL 2021 | 19 sense of communal unity was of utmost importance.