Social space: A roundup of all the social media news from across the GCC

Political discussions revolved around governmental policies during the coronavirus outbreak including preventive measures and remote working.

Educational discussions were about the suspension of schools around the world and the benefits of e-learning.

Health conversations were mainly around the spread of the coronavirus outside China and preventative measures to disinfect.

Other hot topics included entertainment activities at home while quarantined, the technology required to work from home, and confusion around the suspension of sports events.

Methodology:
Netizency conducted a social listening across all social and online media from the GCC between February 15 and March 15, 2020 to gather the information on popular trends.

The latest updates to social media platforms include:

Twitter:
– Is helping fight coronavirus by adjusting search results to show content from credible health organisations first
-Now allows you to link a new tweet with any of your older ones
– Announces ‘Fleets’, vertical ephemeral tweets similar to Snaps and IG Stories
-Makes List pinning available on Android

LinkedIn:
- Launches a new “Featured” section in profiles to display top achievements and links
- Is trying new ways to launch ‘Stories’ aimed at making users engage in productive conversations

Facebook:
- Will remove false content and conspiracy theories around the coronavirus
- Experiments with new “Hobbi” app designed to create and organise photos and videos from your favourite hobbies
- Is testing a new feature that will allow users to switch back to a chronological feed
- Will allow you to turn any 2D image into 3D using newly-developed AI tech
- Removes discover tab from messenger
- Revamps its Messenger app on iOS to make it faster, smaller, and simpler

Instagram:
- Bans Covid-19 AR filters by non-official organisations
- Safeguards accuracy about Covid-19 by ensuring you have priority access to credible sources
- Tests a pop-up to show users the posts they missed since they last logged in
- Is testing a feature that will enable video replies to IGTV content
- Will soon allow you to restrict multiple accounts from your comments section

YouTube:
- To monetise videos discussing Covid-19, relaxing its ‘sensitive events’ policy

Snapchat:
- Introduces ‘Here for You’ resources, to support users going through emotional crises
- Considers a redesign adding a navigation as its standout feature among many potential UX changes

TikTok:
- Releases ‘TikTok Tips’ an account focused on promoting safety and mental well-being
- Now allows you to add URLs to your bio
- Launches ‘Family Safety Mode’ enhancing its parental controls
- Launches new sticker-pinning feature on videos
- Releases new native analytics tool

WhatsApp:
- Launches Dark Mode