The Impact Of Social Media In The Fight Against The Spread Of Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic In Anambra State, Nigeria

TL;DR

This study investigates how social media usage increased and was utilized by various groups in Anambra State, Nigeria, to combat COVID-19, demonstrating its positive impact in spreading information and aiding containment efforts.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence on the increased use and strategic utilization of social media during COVID-19 in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Findings

Social media usage increased during the pandemic.

Social media was used by individuals, NGOs, and government for COVID-19 efforts.

Social media had a positive impact in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

Abstract

This study examined the impact of social media in the fight against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Anambra state, Nigeria. The key objectives are to: find out if the numbers of social media users increased in Anambra state since the wake of coronavirus pandemic; find out if the social media is being utilised in the fight against the spread of coronavirus pandemic in Anambra state; find out how the social media is being utilised in the fight against the spread of coronavirus pandemic in Anambra state; and discover the impact of social media in the fight against the spread of coronavirus pandemic in Anambra State. It was anchored on Agenda Setting Theory, and the Technological Determinism Theory (TDT). The study was designed as a survey with close-ended questionnaire distributed to 400 respondents. The findings of this study revealed that usage and accessibility of social media increased in Anambra state because of coronavirus pandemic. It also revealed that the social media is being utilised by individuals, NGOs and government in the fight against the spread of coronavirus in Anambra state. The study also found that the social media is being utilised to gather and disseminate information, study, transact businesses, among other things. The finding also showed that the social media has positive impact in the fight against the spread of coronavirus in Anambra state. The study concluded that social media has much benefits than negative impact, and should be used to contain the spread of coronavirus. It, among other things, recommended training and empowerment of the citizens on effective utilisation of social media to create impact in the society.