As the virus has spread, it has also ravaged our outlets for sustained creative expression. But bingeing and posting and thumbing incessantly through social media are open for business. Social media platforms have been unexpectedly reliable in spreading information about the pandemic, and in a time of social isolation, they have spontaneously delivered on their promise of community connectivity. It has infected the content of beefcake influencers, wellness personalities and cat Twitter. The impulses to signal awareness of the looming public health crisis and to reap the benefits of a coronavirus traffic bump align here.

Source: New York Times March 18, 2020 19:07 UTC