The Impact of Social Media as the New Market During COVID-19 Pandemic
Vol.3, No.1C
Abstract
Social Media during COVID-19 played a big role in communicating, acquiring information, creating opportunities, and obtaining needs. Consumers saw Social Media as the primary solution to buy their necessities in a safe approach as the protocol is strictly observed. With the shift of the digital market, changes occur, making them examine to familiarize themselves with the new way of purchasing. Due to sudden adjustments, some factors influence consumers to buy online, making the impacts visible in a product's security, satisfaction and quality. This qualitative research uses the descriptive design as the study aims to know the impacts and how the variables affect the impact. In selecting respondents, researchers used random sampling as a sampling technique in 200 populations. The chosen respondents were Senior High School Students under their respective Academic Tracks in Bestlink College of the Philippines. The data was obtained in a survey questionnaire through Google Forms because it is considered the most convenient instrument for researchers and respondents. Based on the study's results, the COVID-19 outbreak led to social media becoming widely known as a new market.
With the help of the following variables, the researchers determined the impact of social media as a new market. (1) The wide range of audiences and engagement - It aids social media to become popular, especially as a new market. It helps the customers to know if the product quality is good and if it is affordable. (2) the literacy of the customers - Understanding the description, the instructions, and the use of social media will help to have a better transaction. It will encourage a healthy way of communication for improvements and security. (3) Development and technology dependence - With the help of literacy, development happens. The more technology becomes beneficial, the more customers depend on technology because development is inclined towards technology. The more social media is utilized as a new market, the more customers agree that it becomes convenient, which increases their satisfaction. As a new market, social media has a massive impact on customers.
The researchers recommend maintaining the positive impact and improving the negative impact of social media as a new market. On top of maintaining the positive and improving the negative impact, it is important to know how social media works and how to use it properly. That way, customers can use it without causing trouble or maintaining a healthy environment. One of the basics is the famous phrase "think before you click”. Making a practice of doing it will lead to a healthy conversation or outlet to look to. Ensure you leave constructive criticism to improve the product or service instead of leaving a harsh opinion.
