Utilization and Impact of Social Media in Curtailing the Spread of Covid-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the use and impact of social media in curtailing the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Descriptive survey  research design was adopted with a total population of 159 Librarians on the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigeria Library Association (NLA)  WhatsApp group. Online questionnaire was the only instrument used for data collection. One hundred and twenty-eight (128)  respondents completed the form within a period of four weeks. Responses generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics. It was  gathered that all the respondents were aware of and use social media platform in Covid-19 information dissemination. Findings also  revealed that social media provide adequate information about Covid-19 in Nigeria and have equally improved people knowledge about  Covid-19 pandemic in the areas of taking precautionary measures against infection as well as steps needed to take if infected. In addition,  social media as a medium of communication is very effective towards curtailing the spread of Covid-19 in Nigeria. The study  further revealed that all the respondents have positive perception about social media as a tool towards curtailing the spread of Covid-19  in Nigeria. It was also gathered that Facebook, is the most informative social medium as far as dissemination of Covid-19 related  information is concerned. Aside from the above librarians also make use of social media to get connected with family, friends, get  information on happening within librarianship, around the world amongst others. Hence, social media proved to be informative and  educating about Covid-19 pandemic prevention and control. Therefore, the government at the federal, state and local government levels  needs to embark on aggressive advocacy using social media platform such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp among others to disseminate  information to the general populace about covid- 19 and ensure such disseminated information are adequate, correct and reliable.