Almost all users of social media can be classified as prosumers, meaning people who both consume and produce media. As the global pandemic of Covid-19 continues to grow rapidly, I find my own screen time growing rapidly as well. I scroll through my own Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for hours each day not only to keep up with the Coronavirus updates, but also to stay entertained. Media plays many roles in user gratification and in the time of national emergency including entertainment, information, escapism, companionship, problem solving, personal enrichment and/or tension release.
In a form of escapism from the gruesome reality of Covid-19, I have found myself slightly obsessed with the newest Netflix craze, “Tiger King”. The documentary series is a mess of muder, chaos and big cats. It seems that I am not alone in this obsession though. Besides Covid-19, “Tiger King” is probably the second most widely covered topic. Not only have I been binge watching episodes, but I find myself giggling at memes about the main characters Joe Exotic and Carol Baskin. This allows me to receive user gratification as well in the form of social bonding and entertainment. It is mindless comedy that lets me withdraw from the depressing news of Covid-19.
Another trend I have seen become popular is the creation of TikTok videos. TikTok started as an app for young to middle aged children and was seen as childish by young adults my age. Ever since the Covid-19 outbreak and the increase of boredom, people ages 18-25 have “given in” and taken an interest in TikTok, myself being one of them. I personally have created three TikToks that are relevant to the current Coronavirus topic (which I am withholding to save my own embarrassment). For me, watching others and creating my own funny TikToks about how my senior year came crashing down and how isolation is driving me mentally insane is a form of catharsis and tension release.
Through gratification and pastimes of media (and of course by staying home) we will find a way to get through this Covid-19 pandemic.
Theresa Tumminello 
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