Social media has contributed to an 'Infodemic'

Not only is the overabundance of false information confusing and overwhelming, but the constant negative news cycle and excess of factual information (much of which, especially related to the pandemic, is disheartening) can also lead to a significant downtick in mental health.^[1] As social distancing continues, people are getting much of their social interaction via social media. When that communication is inherently tied in with news and updates, we begin to associate the exhaustive aspects of social media with the supposedly positive benefits. Additionally, we have seen a major shift in the landscape of mobile apps as screen time increases, and products are developed specifically for the pandemic. While this is objectively helpful, the sheer amount of choices and information can be overwhelming to many.^[2] On top of that, social uprising takes on a new form through social media, and its effects are often exhausting; where certain platforms such as Instagram used to be primarily about aesthetics, now you can often find pages peppered with infographics and more factual information (both accurate and inaccurate).^[3] Misinformation spreads fast via social media. While companies like Twitter and Facebook are still embroiled in legal battles over who has the right to post what, their users are left in a confusing battle between chaotic governing and corporate greed. None of this improves mental health during this trying time.^[4]