In the months we were stuck at home, many of us spent far more time than normal on social media. A new study looking at our posts about the coronavirus shows that our feelings have shifted from fear to anger over the last few months.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University analyzed more than 20 million tweets from around the world. In January, at the start of the pandemic, about 60 percent of online comments expressed fear and uncertainty about the virus. Since then, fearful tweets continue to drop, while posts expressing anger keep rising.
The researchers believe the shift represents frustration with national quarantines, the feelings of isolation and seclusion from others.
The study does have a bright spot. Feelings of joy and gratitude are also rising. Since May, tweets expressing joy have nearly equaled the fearful ones.
