Social media has allowed civic participation and a feeling of engagement during the pandemic

Social media has integrated itself into most walks of everyday life, and the news is no exception. While many use platforms like Facebook and Twitter to stay updated, more and more platforms, including Instagram, are being used to organize rallies, share information, post safety tips, and speak out against injustice by giving a voice to marginalized populations. Many of these platforms make it easier for you to contact your local representatives and stay engaged in civic affairs, even while social distancing.^[2] Most social media outlets encourage voting and voter registration as part of their efforts to stay engaged with the democratic process. Community-based organization has become a hallmark of protests and social advocacy during the pandemic, allowing people to stay connected and up to date on issues affecting them and their town. Whether through socializing digitally with friends and family, spreading awareness on social media, staying civically engaged with the democratic process, and discovering new ways to learn and work, 53% of Americans have said that social media has been a necessity for them during the pandemic.^[3] During a time where distance seems paramount, social media manages to bring many of us together in unprecedented ways.