Almost everyone knows that the way of the future is social media. Heck, almost everywhere you turn now you see a person on their phone or a print advertisement with those small social media logos at the bottom, reminding you to learn more on social media. The truth is, social media has become a force that allows people to connect, allows companies to brilliantly promote their business, and gives people a space to create a community of like-minded people. After diving into social media communities, with a major focus on Facebook groups, it made me wonder just how impactful these communities might have been during the global pandemic in 2020. What I found was astounding.
I will preface this by saying, in my research it was extremely easy to find the negative stuff that comes from these groups, typically from ‘open’ groups that allow anyone to join. The open groups are where we find a lot of the ‘trolls’, not the ones with the cute little gems on their bellies and the funny hair. The kind that thrive off of hiding behind their keyboard and belittling someone.
That said, what I really wanted to focus on was how we can use social communities to our advantage. So, I began to research some of the groups that helped contribute to making our world a better place. Oddly, I found many of these groups were ‘closed groups. Closed groups typically are smaller in as they are niche groups that usually vet their members before allowing access to the group. A lot of times closed groups have individuals that truly want to be a part of the group, which I believe helps add to the positive vibes…and let’s face it, we’re in a global pandemic…we need positive vibes only! So, here are 3 ways Facebook groups made a difference during the pandemic.
Income Replacement
As the pandemic spread rapidly around the entire world in early 2020, slowly businesses had to shut their doors to prepare to ‘hunker down’ and slow the spread of COVID-19. While some companies closed doors and allowed employees to work from home to maintain business as usual, not every line of business had the same luxury. According to Congressional Research Service “In April 2020, the unemployment rate reached 14.8% — the highest rate observed since data collection began in 1948.” (Romero et al., 2021) This research was done in the United States and didn’t count the countries all around the world experiencing similar issues. Not only were people losing their jobs, but for the safety of our children, schools were closing, forcing parents to stay home with their children and educate them.
While many people felt helpless during these times, some turned to Facebook buy-sell groups to see if they could potentially earn money in a less traditional way. One of the first articles I came across was on Rappler.com. The article spoke of a dentist who was forced to lockdown during the pandemic and find alternative ways to pulling in an income. She decided to open a food business and advertise on a Facebook e-commerce group. From there, “she noted how ‘hundreds of people can immediately see our food products. It’s a huge help when people who are not just our friends, but random customers start to recommend us on those pages and share us on social media. That’s how we get more customers.” (Barreiro, 2020)
This was only one example of so many that came from all around the world to prove that without Facebook groups, an even greater increase in poverty may have been seen around the world.
Aiding in Finding Essentials
Everyone must remember the great toilet paper shortage of 2020, right? Let’s just summarize it by saying, for some reason…a global pandemic involving a respiratory virus, somehow made U.S. Citizens across the nation panic buy toilet paper. Yes, toilet paper.
While toilet paper was difficult to find, it certainly wasn’t the only thing difficult to find. Supply shortages were a real issue due to the pandemic, warehouse closures, and difficulties with trade and delivery. In Idaho, a woman saw how difficult it was for people to find their essential products and created a Facebook group entitled ‘Magic Valley Corona Tips, Trade and Traffic’ which aimed to have members help other members advise what was in stock at certain stores (Fabbi, 2020). At a certain point, this helped ease the struggles the community was seeing and, in a time, where there was a lot of negative due to panic purchasing, this group banded together to help the community out (Fabbi, 2020). Without Facebook groups, this would have been far more difficult to communicate given the need to shelter in place due to the virus.
Mental Health Support
This one hit close to home for me. As a mom raising 2 small kids in a pandemic world, my anxiety was through the roof. I personally found it extremely difficult to manage my anxiety and fears that this virus could take over at any time. Truth is that the anxiety was ruling my life at one point and the loneliness of quarantine had only exacerbated that feeling. Queue the Facebook Group ‘The Anxiety Lounge’. The Anxiety Lounge prides itself on being a positive community for those who struggle. During the pandemic, I found that I was one of over a thousand people who struggled with anxiety and made me feel heard. Sometimes, finding like-minded people just make you feel less alone and at a time where I was quarantined with two small boys, feeling less lonely was exactly what I needed. Without Facebook groups, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have had the support I needed at that time, and I am quite grateful that the community existed for me.
Undoubtedly, an argument can be made either way as to whether Facebook groups are helpful or harmful, but I personally find it hard to deny that we thrive on human interaction. Experiencing a pandemic has made my personal outlook change on so many things and now, more than ever, I realize the need for friendship and acceptance. Facebook groups could be the way of the future, but at the very least online communities are where we are heading.
References:
Barreiro, V. (2020, August 20). Lifeline during COVID-19: How facebook buy and sell groups meet people’s needs. RAPPLER. Retrieved January 9, 2022, from https://www.rappler.com/technology/features/how-facebook-buy-sell-groups-meet-people-needs/
Fabbi, R. (2020, March 18). Facebook group aims to help people through covid-19 pandemic. https://www.kmvt.com. Retrieved January 9, 2022, from https://www.kmvt.com/content/news/Facebook-group-aimed-at-helping-get-people-through-COVID-19-pandemic-568915451.html
Romero, P., Nicchitta, I., & Nyhof, E. (2021, August 20). Unemployment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic — FAS. Retrieved January 9, 2022, from https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R46554.pdf
