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Social media has become the most widespread tool used for communication and information. Probably because of its functionality and powerful features, we were grown
attached to it. This was popularized in 2010 and began with Facebook as it rapidly grew after its launch followed by Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and other social media apps. Technically, positive changes occur in terms of convenience. People can easily contact family and friends, access information, catch up latest updates and search for entertainment. If social media has not been introduced in our country, surviving the COVID-19 disease to this day is impossible.
The evolution of traditional to new media had a momentous timeline in history. Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Information is only available through television, radio, and print. These are mass media that serve as a public platform for crucial topics. Only a few households have a television especially in the Philippines, back in the day, some would have to go to their neighbors and watch TV for their favorite shows, news, and such. There wasn’t an internet connection and the signal was poor. People only use telephones and mailed letters when addressing or talking to a family member far from them. Mailed or written letters take months before arriving whilst telephones cost.
In the Information Age which is our time today, technological advancement emerges. It significantly paved for a lot of benefits concerning emergencies and crises. Now that we are currently experiencing a pandemic since 2020, we are spared to alter response against the deadly virus that is mentally, physically, and economically challenging. Through social media, families are helped to sustain income by selling online. Some also use their expertise and resources to support their financial needs by creating content on Tiktok and other platforms to gain sponsors and money. With the safe transaction being done online, catching the virus would be less of a threat to health. Also, when everyone got bored and stuck in isolation, they find entertainment.
The role of social workers is apparent in access to mental health care assisting online. Hotlines are posted for people who seek for therapeutic approach. It is not new to us how the crisis greatly affects mental health, where reaching out through social media is truly essential. Additionally, social workers in this context also consider front liners, professionals, and people in the public and private sectors. They provide aid and services in the present phenomenon with the empowering instrument of technology – social media. They disseminate information by posting updates such as the number of COVID-19 cases, selling goods and products, social involvements, religious aspects, and the like. The government has worked on intensifying safety measures and protocols, affiliated with organizations. They regulate and monitor the people by sharing their news on social media. More importantly the government encourages the public to get vaccinated. By explaining the facts from verified sources about the vaccine, people were informed and aware on its effects and that they curb myths and fake news.
We’ve witnessed how social media is undeniably visible in every corner. It is an integral part of everyone and along with the fight against COVID-19. Our cellphones with social media apps became a necessity to face everyday tasks in school, work, and others. Social media has opened new doors to the development of society. It also promotes camaraderie, kinship, and openness as citizens of the country and to other nations, because we know that it shapes our identity. We were also able to connect with new friends outside. Part of using social media is the responsibility we should behold. There are limitations to observe such as screen time, our integrity, and ethical practices or known as proper netiquette. As competent users and producers, we are ready to head forward and will continue heading forward.
"Trust the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not onto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3:5
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