Digital Practices by Citizens During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From an International Multisite Study

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Media and Communication
• Health Sciences
• Information Technology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital practices and altered social behaviors, including a shift to remote work and increased reliance on social media for connection.
• Social isolation was prevalent across diverse communities (rural, urban, city) during the pandemic, highlighting the need to understand digital engagement across demographics.
• Limited research exists on digital practices across different age groups, geographic locations, and countries during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the international impact of social media and internet use on individual health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To explore associations between technology use, social connectedness, sociodemographic factors, loneliness, and well-being across different countries.

Main Methods:

• International, multisite study utilizing online surveys deployed from April 2020 to September 2021.
• Data collected from respondents aged 18 to over 60 across Europe, Asia, and North America.
• Bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed to examine associations between technology use, social connectedness, sociodemographics, loneliness, and well-being.

Main Results:

• Higher loneliness levels were reported by individuals using social media messengers or multiple social media apps compared to non-users or those using fewer apps.
• Membership in online community support groups was associated with lower loneliness levels.
• Individuals in rural and small-town areas reported significantly lower psychological well-being and higher loneliness compared to those in urban and suburban settings.
• Younger adults (18-29), single individuals, the unemployed, and those with lower education levels were more susceptible to loneliness.

Conclusions:

• Policymakers and stakeholders should develop targeted interventions for loneliness, particularly among single young adults.
• Further research is needed to understand how loneliness interventions may vary across different geographical contexts.
• Findings have broad implications for gerontechnology, health sciences, social sciences, media communication, and information technology.