The Impact of Social Media on the Individuals and Society during COVID-19 Lockdown Situation

Social Media can be defined as those forms of electronic communication (such as websites for social networking and micro-blogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (such as videos). As per wiki, Social media are interactive computer-mediated technologies that facilitate the creation or sharing of information, ideas, career interests and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks. Some of the most popular Social Media include – Facebook, Tiktok (presently banned in India), We Chat,  Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, etc.,. Other famous platforms like Whatsapp, Telegram, Snap chat, Youtube, Zoom, Google meet, etc., are also off late deemed as part of Social Media. Users usually access social media services via web-based apps on desktops and laptops, or download services that offer social media functionality to their mobile devices (e.g., smartphones and tablets). Through Social Media, individuals, communities, and organizations share, co-create, discuss, participate and modify user-generated content or self-curated content posted online. This study paper deals with the role played by the Social Media in India in the situations prevailing on account of the COVID-19 pandemic and Lockdowns

Keywords:
Pandemic, COVID-19, Lockdown, Social Networking