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The COVID Connection: Pandemic Anxiety, COVID-19 Comprehension, and Digital Confidence
Laura Robinson1, Jeremy Schulz2, Øyvind N Wiborg3
1Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, USA.
The American Behavioral Scientist
|April 11, 2024
Summary
Digital confidence impacts pandemic anxiety and COVID-19 understanding. Digitally confident adults experienced less anxiety and better comprehension of COVID-19 information during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Communication
- Digital Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted disparities in information access and stress responses.
- Digital confidence emerged as a potential factor influencing public health outcomes.
- Understanding the role of digital literacy is crucial for effective crisis communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between digital confidence and pandemic anxiety.
- To assess how digital confidence affects COVID-19 comprehension.
- To identify vulnerable populations based on digital access during health crises.
Main Methods:
- Logistic regression models were employed.
- Analysis utilized a nationally representative dataset of US adults.
- Statistical significance was tested controlling for sociodemographic and psychological factors.
Main Results:
- Higher digital confidence correlated with lower pandemic anxiety, including fewer physical manifestations.
- Digitally confident individuals demonstrated a greater likelihood of comprehending critical COVID-19 information.
- These associations remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, income, education, and general anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Digital disadvantage increases vulnerability to pandemic-related stress and misinformation.
- Addressing digital inequality is essential for mitigating secondary pandemic effects.
- Future research and policy should prioritize digital inclusion for crisis preparedness.
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