The Double-Edged Sword Effect of Social Media on COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has entered its third year ravaging the lives of people worldwide. During the pandemic, social media usage has increased significantly, as people seek not only for educative information about COVID-19 but also for platforms to collectively respond to the outbreak. An increase in traffic to websites and government sources has significantly contributed to an overall increase in internet usage during the pandemic. On a positive note, social media is being used by the scientific community as an ally to enhance research coordination and quickly disseminate crucial information about COVID-19 across geographical boundaries and time zones. However, a major problem with social media has been the spread of “infodemic” or widespread misinformation about treatment and vaccines for the virus. The COVID-19 “infodemic” led to an increase in vaccine hesitancy, panic, fear and confusion in people and it is amplifying rumours and questionable information. Consequently, the objective of this review is to look at the role of social media as a tool for the good, the bad and the ugly in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.