Community Perceptions on Social Media and COVID-19: Insights from a Thematic Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62843/jrsr/2024.3a171Keywords:
COVID-19, Social Media, Infodemic, False Communication and Conspiracy Theories, Social Distancing, The Psychological and Emotional DimensionAbstract
A worldwide crisis brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic overtook health systems, destroyed economies, and altered social norms through lockdowns and social distancing regulations. This qualitative study highlights social media's crucial yet conflicting role as an Infodemic amplifier and a connectivity lifeline amid widespread disinformation by examining community perceptions of its diverse effects in District Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Major themes, such as false communication/conspiracy theories, social distancing, and psychological-emotional strains, were found through purposive sampling of twenty-one in-depth interviews with local academicians. Social media platforms, according to respondents, are causing an "Infodemic," spreading false information about COVID-19 as Western anti-Muslim plots, 5G bioweapons, microchip vaccines, or divine retribution. Although social distancing reduced the spread of the disease, it also led to family strife, strange routines, economic hardship due to supply disruptions, and loneliness.
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