Social media trends this week
Social media trends this week
What you need to know:
- Top social media events making headlines.
Dubai: Netizens this week discussed mass layoffs in the world of American journalism. Social media in the UAE was excited about its citizens’ eligibility for visa on arrival in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Indians tweeted about controversial cricketer Hardik Pandya’s #IndvsNZ comeback and the Indian #RepublicDay.
1. Visa on arrival in Pakistan
Social media users were enthusiastic about the announcement of visas on arrival in Pakistan, for UAE citizens. Pakistan’s Minister of Information confirmed that the UAE would be among countries benefitting from a new visa scheme.
[Facebook]
Maria Athar: Love it! So happy with the way things are going, towards a better relationship between Pakistan and other countries.
2. Newsrooms go quiet
Social media was upset by news of almost a 1000 staff laid off this week by top American media organisations BuzzFeed News, HuffPost (Verizon) and Gannett (USA Today), citing chronically low ad revenue.
[Twitter]
@csmcdaniel: Hey guys, I’m one of the many reporters laid off from BuzzFeed News. I am proud of the work I have done here, alongside some of the best investigative reporters there are. If you’re hiring, my DMs [direct messages] are open.
3. ‘Wakanda forever’ at #SAGAwards
Superhero film ‘Black Panther’ won the award for an ‘outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture’ at the 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards early on Monday. The win sparked a conversation about diversity.
[Twitter]
@chadwickboseman: “To be young, gifted and black…” [referring to the Nina Simone song] There is a place for us. There is a screen for us. Thank you to SAG-AFRTA for the appreciation and celebration of our work. #BlackPanther #SAGAwards
4. Pandya gets his game back
On Monday, twitterati congratulated the Indian cricket team, who dominated the one day international series matches against New Zealand. Pandya, in his first match after controversy surrounding sexist comments on a television show, regained some credit with a sensational match performance.
[Twitter]
@Iam07ravi: Hardik Pandya looks more focused. Settled celebration after a stunning catch shows the sign of maturity. We hope he continues this with the bat and ball. #INDvsNZ
5. Indian #RepublicDay celebrations
India marked its 70th Republic Day on January 26. Among posts of celebration, netizens appreciated the Indian Armed Forces parade that witnessed several firsts from women.
[Twitter]
@SahasraDeepika: Women led India’s 70th #RepublicDay parade!✨First Assam Rifles all-female contingent, Lt. Bhavana Kasturi led an all-male army contingent, Cap. Shikha Surabhi is the first woman officer to perform a motorcycle stunt and Lt. Ambika Sudhakaran led the Navy contingent #lighttheway.