Reflective Writing #4:

"How social media has helped families, social workers, and the government gather information during calamities/pandemic?"

Most of the activities nowadays circulate in social media, especially that we are currently experiencing a pandemic called the Corona Virus Disease, commonly known as CoViD-19. Social media has made a significant influence on families, government, social movements, and information dissemination, it cannot be blamed solely for the uprisings. Eventually, it can have a negative impact, it can also have a positive impact by facilitating and speeding up the speed and complexity of interaction when used efficiently. Social media became a source of information all over the world. Let me explain how this affected families, social workers, and the government in a positive way.

First, social media helped families in the sense that it became a way for families to communicate and connect, especially when our families are working or stuck abroad or an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker). It became a tool for them to consistently feel close even when they are far away and could still interact whenever they miss someone or each other. Also, it is a source of news or trends in the family, especially my father, who usually watches news and scrolls for helpful videos on Facebook, such as life hacks. It is a platform for entertainment in the family, especially now that everyone is mostly in the house; this could make their bond stronger. For example, our family usually watches youtube videos on our television after we have dinner. I must say, watching with them is enjoyable.

Second, social media helps social workers when it comes to disseminating information whenever there will be an emergency and calamity—sharing knowledge and essential information for people to know what to do. Furthermore, it is a tool to keep people knowledgeable about the rights and wrongs when dealing with kids, abused people (physically, emotionally), family problems. Social workers could quickly connect and communicate to people who need help through the telephone numbers and contact numbers attached in their respective pages in every social media. 

Third, social media helps the government by connecting to their fellow countrymen: they are collecting the chatter and searching out relevant references, comments, and suggestions from people or netizens in social media that could aid them in effectively responding to crises and emergencies. Additionally, it informs people about what is currently happening in the country for them to be aware of their environment. The government made social media a tool for people to know enough to stay away from contagious diseases. 

In today’s environment, social media has redefined social interaction. Text messaging, the internet, and social media sites have enabled people to communicate with many individuals from all over the world. It is indeed a simple and effective way to stay in reach and share information, especially during a crisis. Individuals wanting to message family and friends in the disaster zone and details on food, shelter, and transport infrastructure have increased their interaction as a result of natural disasters. By enabling people to communicate and seek assistance, social media has played a vital role in spreading information about such catastrophic events. Moreover, social media platforms help keep people up to date and informed by hosting streaming live webinars on platforms such as Facebook, Youtube, or Zoom.