Abstract
The COVID-19 crisis has profoundly transformed public interaction on social media, establishing these platforms as critical channels for communication, information dissemination, and community engagement. This study delves into the dynamics of public interactions during this unprecedented time, focusing on the diverse topics discussed, the emotions expressed, and the sentiments conveyed by users across various social media platforms. Through a comprehensive analysis of social media posts and interactions, we identify key themes that emerged during the pandemic, including health misinformation, community support, and emotional responses to evolving public health guidelines. By examining the emotional landscape of social media discourse, we seek to understand how public sentiment has shifted in response to the crisis and the implications these shifts hold for public health communication strategies. We discuss the crucial role of social media in shaping public perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors during the pandemic. We also explore the challenges and opportunities presented by these platforms for effective risk communication and health messaging. This study fosters collaborative dialogue among researchers, public health practitioners, and stakeholders, creating an environment for sharing insights and best practices. Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to enhanced strategies for engaging and informing the public in future health crises, ensuring that communication efforts are not only effective but also responsive to the needs and emotions of the community. By leveraging the experiences and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, we aim to better prepare for similar challenges in the future.
Presenters
Pahurat Kongmuang TaisuwanDirector, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Secretariat Office of the Royal Development Projects Committee, Thailand Saengduen Moonsom
Faculty and Coordinator, Protozoology, THOHUN, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon [Bangkok], Thailand
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2026 Special Focus—The Image as Advocate: Shaping Cultural Conversations
KEYWORDS
Public Interaction Social Media COVID-19 Crisis Mis-disinformation Infodemic management
