- Divided by nations, united by love and the internet. The article is just a token of appreciation to everyone who is taking the initiative to spread awareness on social media about the pandemic virus.
Gone are the days when a notice used to be there on public notice boards and shared through loudspeakers. If there is anything that needs awareness, then people, institutions, and governments select social media awareness.
From the perspective reach to spreading out the word, the process is much fast as compared to the spreading of COVID-19. Yes, there is a plethora of false news from unidentified sources talking around vague data but at the same time, both (the internet and social media) have spread awareness from time to time.
Every potential user has a device through which he/she can get updates from any corner of the world. Connect with each other and stalk their favorite movie stars. From recruitment to getting user feedback, social media has been a magical spell.
Let’s try and dig the internet and see the scene of social media awareness during the fast-spreading coronavirus.
World Health Organization, Bollywood Stars & Their Initiative of Social Media Awareness –
World Health Organization (WHO) has partnered with short-video platform TikTok to create awareness around COVID-19. The partnership will give the opportunity to influencers on the TikTok app to create their own videos that provide viewers with informed medical hygiene tips.
Celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Sachin Tendulkar were seen participating in the Safe Hands challenge on Twitter. Through their videos, celebrities tell fans and followers the importance of personal hygiene and nominate other celebrities to do the same.
If you are still wondering how to be safe during such auspicious time, just lock yourself in a room and browse Instagram, Twitter, and other social media apps. If you have a Twitter account, just look out for #safehands and I’m sure you will grasp things that work a protective layer to fight against coronavirus. Here is some glimpse about the social media awareness campaign:
How can our Bollywood stars stay silent during the chaotic scenes? Amitabh Bacchan, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Madhuri Dixit, Ajay Devgan are amongst some famous faces who are active faces of social media awareness about COVID-19.
While platforms might be different, but all of them have just one thing to say – Stay home, stay safe and act wisely!
How Are Multinationals Contributing To Social Media Awareness About COVID-19?
Social media platforms have always been a sweet spot for companies to express and notify. How else can a company sitting in the US communicate its employees sitting in India that they have decided to shut down the vicinity for undisclosed time?
When people are confused about what to do and what not to do during this chaotic time, Google launched the COVID-19 page which talks about safety tips, statistics and much more.
However, Google’s initiative towards social media awareness about coronavirus is only for the US people as of now. Realizing that people’s information needs expanding, the search engine is trying its best to spread awareness with valid facts and figures.
A number of additional links that provide authoritative information from health authorities have also been added.
“The new format organizes the search results page to help people easily navigate information and resources, and wit will also make it possible to add more information over time as it becomes available.” – Emily Moxley – product manager at Google.
Then we have our favorite messaging app, WhatsApp who is much more hyperactive in terms of social media awareness. While the social media app has been criticized for spreading fake messages and news, this time WhatsApp has all the reasons to prove its messaging app as generous and engaging.
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that citizens in the country can text a WhatsApp bot – MyGov Corona Helpdesk – to get instant authentic answers to their coronavirus queries like symptoms of the viral and how they could seek help.
The bot was built by Mumbai-based Haptik Technologies which is from the house of Reliance JIO acquisitions.
“The MyGov Corona Helpdesk has been engineered to fight rumors, educate the masses and bring a sense of calm to the current chaos-like situation. We are committed to assisting the government with all our possible strengths and resources and hope that this chatbot can help the government of India spread the right information across the nation.” – Aakri Vaish – Co-founder of Haptik. (Source)
Through this social media awareness program, Narendra Modi and WhatsApp are trying to reach out nation’s 1.3 billion citizens and communicate to stay at home as much as possible for the next few days to prevent any explosion of coronavirus case.
Let’s talk about a brand which is the perfect example to utilize social media platform for awareness, promotions, engagement and to stay in the memories of users. It’s Amul!
When a 73-year-old renowned brand talks about ‘staying safe’ and maintain social distancing, I guess it’s got to be pretty serious and worth noticing once. Here are some print ads rolled out by Amul with a hope to spread awareness among its consumer base through the internet and social media.
Are We Also Spreading Awareness?
Definitely yes! Don’t think that because you’re not a famous influencer you cannot spread awareness. I’m sure that while you are scrolling down Facebook and Instagram’s feed you are loaded with covid-19 updates, messages, tips and instructions from your friends, their friends and likewise.
While you can also be a voice on social media, always avoid spreading the wrong word and don’t encourage wrong things to get shares and views.
Here are some posts and stories of my contacts who are trying to spread awareness through their social media platform. Remember, we all belong to a community while the internet and social media act as a strong linkage between communities and people.
Summing Up:
Yes, covid-19 is a fast-spreading virus but it still can’t match the speed of the internet (and social media). If we can’t spread awareness or if we don’t have generous to contribute, let’s contribute by sharing valuable links and information which can be useful to calm the public during the chaotic time.
This was just a sneak-peak into how people, economies, and companies making people aware of coronavirus through social media. We hope to see the same level of activeness from our internet users.
And don’t share ads like these –
