Social networks as tools of transparency in covid-19 times

an analysis of publications of the epidemiological newsletters in the state of alagoas

Abstract

In the pandemic period caused by the New Coronavirus, many Fake News appeared on digital social networks, generating misinformation and harming the Public Administration in containing new cases. It is demonstrated through the analysis of the publication of Covid-19 epidemiological bulletins, disseminated in the social networks of the Government of the State of Alagoas, the importance of transparency in information of public interest. These networks, society's main means of communication and information, have a high power of information dissemination, whose “viral” potential, provided by instantaneity and interactivity, reaches an infinite number of audiences. As fertile spaces for the emergence of Fake News and disinformation, they can generate crises of reliability and veracity regarding the information released by the Government, as well as not stimulating Alagoas to exercise citizenship, nor add value to this society. From the above, it appears that information, in this digital environment, must be treated in a credible, clear and responsible manner, with a view to generating greater reliability, interaction and access to information of social interest, as well as contributing to the reduction of circulation of Fake News and Disinformation. Documentary and qualitative research was adopted with an exploratory approach, with data being collected on the official social networks of the Alagoas government: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.