Temporal study of the social conversation on Twitter (X): The case of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, social media platforms played an important role for various purposes and involved many participants. The global issue of the pandemic was communicated and shared on social media platforms, converging and manifesting as a global social conversation.

Objectives: This study examined the conversation on #covid19 on the social platform X (formerly Twitter) to identify key discussions and participants.

Method: The evolving pattern of discussions was traced over 7 months, from March 2020 to September 2020, to obtain a deeper understanding of the conversation on social platforms. The most frequently used hashtags, mentions, and keywords were also identified. Furthermore, topic modelling was conducted, and the main themes that emerged in the social conversation were determined.

Results: Five clusters of players were identified, that is, governments, individuals, professionals, organisations, and non-profit organisations, who shared the same interest in being involved in #covid19, but with diverse stakes.

Conclusion: The findings are important for understanding how social media platforms can be effectively utilised during a pandemic.

Contribution: This study sheds light on leveraging the potential of social networks during crises such as pandemics, as well as the importance of managing global social involvement by various stakeholders.