The Coronavirus global pandemic brought the world to a screeching halt. Even as people try to resume their normal lives, it is clear that the old "normal" is gone. Such ripples are seen in the digital space too, perhaps even in an amplified form.
With ensuing lockdowns and necessary social distancing, social media emerged as more vital than ever before. Work-from-home became normalized, and people were more prone to be online during work hours. Naturally, we saw a surge in social media users and traffic. Healthcare brands and media and entertainment brands increased their marketing. Many other brands stayed in the game by offering digital services — Edu-Tech and At-Home Fitness solutions — while hospitality and travel industries saw a significant drop in activity.
The New York Times found an ally in Slack — cutting communication budgets and using it not just for internal comms but for working on and publishing stories. Video conferencing quickly became common practice, and even full-fledged events went virtual. Apple conducted its Worldwide Developers Conference entirely online. Physical meetings, it turned out, were not essential for productive work.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it a "pandemic of misinformation." Platforms responded with AI-driven moderation and algorithm changes that reward credible reporting over clickbait — but these steps alone have not been enough. The best course of action remains: stay educated and informed, practice media literacy, and adapt to changes as they come.
About the Author: Alex Gold is the founder and CEO of Del Oro Media, a full-service social media and digital marketing agency based in Southern Delaware. With 15+ years of experience spanning Nickelodeon, the music industry, and clients coast to coast, Alex helps brands craft stories and drive measurable results. Get in touch to start a conversation.
Del Oro Media helps brands across the Delaware Beaches, Delmarva, and nationwide build social media strategies that drive real results.
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