Summary

The article "Entertainment in the Time of Corona" by Sascha Seifert discusses the paradoxical role of Social Media and streaming platforms, as they witness a surge in usage for entertainment, connection, and information-sharing, while still grappling with issues such as fake news and increased responsibility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

In the face of lockdowns and social distancing measures during the pandemic, individuals have turned en masse to Social Media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to find solace and maintain human connections. Streaming platforms, including YouTube, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Netflix, have similarly seen a surge in user engagement, offering a myriad of entertainment choices to a populace housebound by global health circumstances. The crisis has magnified the pivotal role of social platforms both as a sanctuary of distraction with content ranging from live streaming sessions and DIY music events, to professionally produced high-quality media like documentaries and virtual conferences. However, the COVID-19 pandemic also accentuates the flip side of Social Media platforms: the perpetuation and potential amplification of false information, censorship demands, and challenges in balancing the growing traffic influx with appropriate content monitoring. The author highlights notable examples such as the soaring popularity of Netflix’s "Tiger King" and Sir Elton John's "Living Room Concert for America" as indicative of the broader shifts towards virtual entertainment solutions. Even as the platforms strive to present themselves as an altruistic tool for public well-being, the long-term implications of the pandemic are set to significantly alter how society engages with technology and entertainment in the new normal.

Opinions

The resurgence of former social media cynics onto platforms suggests a recognition of the intrinsic value of these mediums for social connection.
There is an ironic resurgence of individuals and groups using the same Social Media tools they once critiqued.
Social media platforms are still struggling to manage the dissemination of fake news, emphasizing the platforms' past failures in managing misinformation.
The broadcasting of virtual events via platforms like Instagram Live reflects a shift in how talent is presented, with on-screen capabilities becoming paramount.
Netflix's documentary series, "Tiger King", is highlighted as an unforeseen but significant phenomenon in the content streaming sector during the lockdown, illustrating how unique documentaries can resonate worldwide under these exceptional circumstances.
A critical note is struck towards the gap between amateur attempts at hosting virtual events versus professionally curated sessions, especially when it comes to high-quality streaming and virtual audience engagement.
The author notes that Social Media platforms should not lean on the global crisis for public relations opportunities without considering their role in the widespread misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the contrast between the fortunes made by streaming companies and live event cancellations, it's posited that those in entertainment who previously invested in streaming infrastructure have gained a strategic advantage amidst the current crisis.
Lastly, the author holds a reservation about how much the newfound love for digital streaming will stick once traditional entertainment venues reopen, suggesting an inevitable blending of physical and virtual entertainment experiences moving forward.

Entertainment in the time of Corona

An interim status report from within Western civilisations media landscapes, three weeks into an exceptional state.

First published via https://www.linkedin.com/in/saschaseifert/ on April 3rd, 2020.

Screenshot collage of Social Media screenhots by author.

Connections matter: Social carrying the torch. Again.

“I find it totally useless, more and more .” — Does anyone else remember quotes like this, posted in many Facebook status updates back when Social Media was under fire for all its shortcomings? I do. Written by more than a few of my FB contacts. Before they vanished from the platform. Some folk took their account down entirely. Some just went quiet, putting their accounts on hold. But, turns out, yesterday was a lie. Today, they are all back. And then some. The tide has turned. At the latest since mid-March. Nowadays, most of the former Social Media hardcore opponents join the crowds again, looking for disaster relief within Facebooks super connecting social feed. They even re-started to contribute. “Live” sessions and all sorts of “let me explain this and that” or “see, how much fun we have while staying home” videos fill timelines en masse these days. And may it ultimately just be for an attempt of trying to sell us something. I would love to show you a couple of impressive examples of such comebacks here via screenshot but — sorry — at least I’m respecting peoples privacy. :-) So, go and look at it with your own eyes if your memory is good enough as well to remember those former social media renegades now converted. Again.

Almost needless to say this phenomenon is happening on all other social platforms. Instagram, Twitter, Snap, YouTube, etc. — you name it. They all benefit from people locked up in their homes trying (desperately) to stay in touch. The markets acknowledge this as well, at least for Snap and Facebook. With stock prices mostly on track for recovery since shortly after the massive Corona related market crashes.

… but Social also delivers well on all of its traditional problems. Again.

Channelling all that increasing traffic thru its empires of server farms — there is word out of Facebook seeing a 50% increase in messaging and double the number of video calls made via the platform — is just one challenge Zuckerberg’s global workforce has to handle these days. The most pressing issue for the platform is still the for the most part remaining unresolved situation around Fake news.

As the disease isn’t spread offline only these days. It’s also making its way into homes, offices, heads and thoughts of those populating all those Social Media channels. In other words: “Hello, darkness my friend, I’ve come to talk to you again …” — Turns out, Fake News is still massive. Again.

Just, this time it’s mostly about the virus. And, in times of confused governments being confronted with various concerns by the public almost everywhere, maybe even more drastically than ever before, all kinds of outlandish explanations fill the channels 24/7. With platforms still seemingly unable (rather: uninterested?) in applying quality control (not: opinion control!) on scale, the battle about the rights and wrongs of information rages on more than ever before. With politicians pushing for drastic censorship. With the platforms trying to dodge the rounds of bullets fired by law-makers in the name of breaking up Big Tech mostly with showing “Stay safe”-Reminders and links to official accounts for information in attempts to present themselves as selfless servants for the greater good. Again.

Content rules.

And streaming rules the world — with Joe Exotic being the global (Tiger) King

But the platforms are just platforms. Again.

“Stream of die!” — No matter if in cinemas or on a stage, with nowhere to go and no shows to attend, thanks to strict curfews and spreading coronaphobia, peoples’ need for culture, entertainment and amusement, pushed them in droves to engage with streaming platforms to find the entertainment they need.

On the one hand, there are the networking and conferencing tools from Skype to Zoom, from Google Hang Out to Jitsi. Plus all the Video-Chat-Apps of our beloved Social Media Channels. Popular channels these days for those who want to bring a message across. Shared, published, broadcasted “Live” or from the vaults.

There is pretty cool stuff happening in this space. Besides the anno 2020 almost usual new flavour of the hour of ever new emerging YouTubers, it seems that “Streaming is the new benefit”. (e.g. find a list of ongoing interesting music streaming here.) Sir Elton John presented his celebrity loaded “Living Room Sessions” via an established TV channel nevertheless. With success proving this to be the right decision. Back in the world of DIY-Streaming, the better-organised of the speakers and shakers out there do host entire online conferences (e.g. check out excellently curated Living Room session by The House Of Beautiful Business here). As often, it’s not all gold that glitters in this innovation space. Some might be excused because they are about to conquer previously uncharted territory. However, in many cases, it becomes pretty clear that talent in that respective organisation or of a certain person isn’t located in their ability for outstanding On-Screen presentation. Frankly spoken, from a professional perspective: Yes, focus matters. Yes, there are rules for the pictorial design. No, the supply closet isn’t a good backdrop to present ideas on how to improve anything …

Let’s wait and see how much of the newfound online streaming enthusiasm is owed to the virulent circumstances of the hour and what elements of this trend will be able to survive once this super social mammal called human is allowed to mingle again.

If you want a job done well, call a professional. Again.

And then, there is the ultimate pro side of things. Online gaming is on a winning streak. On YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Disney and an army of previously unrecognized, locally more or less relevant alternatives, that all take the moment by their hands to get led into the promised lands by growing their respective customer bases. In Central Europe, Disney has landed another lucky punch by launching its Disney+platform just in time for the total lockdown of public life in key markets like Germany. With markets about to reward this as well already. And, somewhere, in a galaxy far far away Baby Yoda is applauding: “Wonderful success, what a great one it is.”

Enter: Joe Exotic.

Interesting: The unprecedented amount of time many people have at their hands now obviously leads them into otherwise uncharted viewing territory. One of the winners of all this seems to be the Tiger Kind aka the story of Joe Exotic. Some say it’s “True Crime TV” but to me, it’s rather a documentary format. As crime isn’t the centre of the story, the “Why” the creators started filming Joe’s funky (business) life. And, given my 25+ year experience in dealing with documentary films and media content, I dare to say: This 7-part-documentary series is a true Corona Virus winner in the global entertainment space. Who would have thought an in-depth portrait about a wondrous big cat collector/zoo owner from rural Oklahoma / USA could ever make it to global fame. But thanks to a truly outstanding story to tell, Netflix’ global release outreach and the support of debate and recommendation on Social Media (again!), the Tiger Kind might be on track to become at least one, maybe even: THE!, most successful documentary film work of the year 2020. (I know, I know … just 3 down, 9 to got. But I know well about the numbers in this genre otherwise …)

Lose it all, gain it all — “Live!” — Again.

No doubt, in Entertainment and culture, everything that involves a live audience is taking a massive hit these days. Festivals, shows, entire tours, concerts got cancelled. With no end of the hard times in sight anywhere. Right now, the only thing that seems left for theatres, concert promoters, performers etc. is to brace for impact, sit out the storm in the shelter and make sure to do proper legal work cancelling what needs to be cancelled due to Corona Virus’ Force Majeure. My guess is, if you make it to the end alive, the rewards will be plentiful and rich as I see massive rebound effects coming. We, humans, are a social bunch and one the gates get unlocked again the need for experiences we can feel, smell, touch and — most importantly — we can explore outside of our homes will be staggering. For the moment, one thing becomes pretty clear: The future is with those who do (or: have done) their homework. As those with good planning for times of hardship and trouble, those with good contracts, those who saved up to be prepared, nowadays have a massive advantage. Maybe something to ponder about while some might have a lot of time on their hands right now and don’t like what the current situation is doing to their entertainment.

A final verdict on all of this will be due once Corona has finally loosened all its grip on all of our lives. Stay tuned. Stay healthy. Again.

More screenshots of Social Media posts by author.