TikTok, other social networks help people cope amid pandemic, says mental health expert

Since people have been confined in their homes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of viral TikTok videos have also dramatically increased.

This is because the app and other social media platforms have become people’s way of coping with the quarantine and connecting with others, according to mental health advocate Henmar Cardiño.

On an episode of #BetterNormalPH Wednesday, Henmar said that since people were physically separated, they turned to social media or cyberspace to reconnect with their friends and loved ones.

“So ang nae-explore ng mga tao ngayon ay ang tinatawag nating cyberspace kung saan iyong connectivity natin sa Wi-Fi, sa internet, sa cyberzones or area ay nae-explore at nabibigyan natin ng sapat na oras.”

Because of the lockdowns, people suddenly had more time to understand technology and how to make the most out of it, Henmar added.

“Ang idea kasi rito, since parang nabo-bore na ko, wala na kong nagagawa. Hindi ako makalabas pero gusto kong makumusta, kumustahin, magkaroon kami ng pagkakataon na maging masaya, may magawa. Ito ay isang pagkakataon na ah, para ma-entertain din iyong mga tao ngayon,” he explained.

However, negative emotions could also come from too much exposure to social media.

“Kapag nakikita mo na walang nagco-comment o walang pumapansin, na dahil sa sobrang paggamit mo na,” he said. “Isang means na ginagawa ko, ng iba ay pansamantalang pag-alis sa social media para magkaroon sila ng panahon o oras para maka-recover.” – RC, GMA News