The Role of Language in Social Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented challenges to societies worldwide, compelling individuals and institutions to adapt rapidly to a new reality dominated by digital communication. Social media platforms emerged as essential channels for information dissemination, community building, and emotional expression during this global crisis. Language played a pivotal role in shaping these interactions, influencing the spread of information, the formation of online communities, and the impact of public health campaigns. This chapter explores the multifaceted role of language in social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Firstly, it highlights the significance of language as a medium for facilitating real-time updates and news dissemination. Governments, health organizations, and news outlets utilized language to convey critical information, ranging from infection rates and safety measures to vaccination updates, reaching a diverse and vast audience worldwide. This chapter will examine how language served as a crucial tool in combating misinformation.