Once she gets the fliers back from the printer, Liz Pommer plans to tell all the neighbours on her street about a new Facebook group she’s created.
Key points online groups
Key points
- Australians are turning to online groups to connect with neighbours during the COVID-19 outbreak
- Online groups can be vectors for misinformation, especially around health
- Creating rules and moderating these communities can help members avoid the pitfalls
Based in Melbourne, she’s one of many Australians creating online spaces where locals can share resources or offer to get groceries for less mobile residents — a way for communities to prepare for a period of social separation during the COVID-19 outbreak.
People are organising on platforms such as Facebook, Nextdoor or even in Google Docs during the pandemic, but online groups can also breed misinformation and discord if not carefully managed.
Ms Pommer said she’ll keep an eye on what people post each day.
“It just needs to be respectful and factual,” she said.
If you’re starting or joining an online group to get through the coronavirus crisis, there are steps you can tak