The COVID-19 pandemic is also known as global pandemic of coronavirus has spread with alarming speed to every part of the world by infecting millions and bringing economic activities to a near-standstill as countries imposed tight restrictions on travel, non-essential movement including lockdown to halt the spread of the virus.

Social distancing is crucial and very important containment measure for preventing, slowing or stopping the spread of the COVID-19 infections. The spread of the virus can be reduced by minimizing contact with others using social and physical distancing, which may causes stress, loneliness and a negative impact on mental health.Social media has also been a bright spot for mental health. Use of social media can put people side by side if they have been forced apart and have already become stressed, as commonly seen during quarantines. Hence, social media have the ability to bring people closer together when they are unable to physically see each other. Online communication between family members, friends and loved ones is associated with decreased depression.

In today’s digital world, social media has really become the prominent part of one’s life in daily lives to stay in touch with family and friends and also in formation of new alliances. Social media has now become a tremendous influence on people through various platforms like Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,LinkedIn etc.Being home all day naturally increases use of media either in the form of streaming shows or finding connections across social networking platforms. Connecting with loved ones is a great way to look after your well being during this current situation.

The optimistic view is that social media could prove useful at the same time when many of us are otherwise isolated from one another during the COVID-19 crisis.Governments as well as healthcare authorities are using social media to inform, guide and help the public in this pandemic. Thus, following their guidelines and instructions on how to stay safe can help us to control the spread of the virus as well as to spread awareness in current situation.Use social media to convince people to comply with social and physical distancing and consequently help us all, “flatten the curve!”

As schools, colleges closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic sweep the administrators and educators are racing to provide online teaching and learning alternatives for the students. Teachers as well as administrators are using social media to enhance interactions between students and staff. Online education has changed the way of teaching. It helps to reach out to students more effectively and efficiently through various chat groups, video meetings, group calling and also documents, notes sharing, especially during this pandemic.In addition to posting recorded videos on social media, teachers can also go one step further i.e. broadcast live.Many schools, colleges are running virtual events, activities and social programs for their online students through social media. Thus, social media can be the perfect place to promote online events and activities by creating posts, stories and videos to raise awareness and reach larger audience in broader way.

The current period of isolation and social distancing is creating challenges for young people to stay healthy as well as active. The dynamic environment provided by use of social media to promote physical activity.In the past few months an unprecedented amount of online resources and social media material have been promoted and released to help adults keep young people active every day and remain safe in the home. Social media is one of the positive learning resources for many young people that can impact positively on their health and well-being.

The popularity of Social media has increased at the personal as well as professional level and more and more people are joining them regularly and this could be bigger in coming years. Social Media is the only way that keeps you connected with people whom you don’t know personally and increase the business relations.

If you use the social media platform positively, they have many benefits. Regular uses of these platforms make your profile strong. So it is necessary to post something informative so that your followers & friends get some new & innovative things from your side. Thus, use of social media will keep you active, motivated, positive and inspired to enhance our lives during COVID-19 pandemic.

Prof. Nilesh Mali,
Dept of Information Technology,
ALSJ Degree College