COVID-19 Apps as a Digital Intervention Policy: A Longitudinal Panel Data Analysis in South Korea

Abstract

Many countries have developed COVID-19 tracking apps that help individuals trace and detect “people” who are likely to have come in contact with confirmed patients. However, their adoption rates remain low. This study, therefore, investigated South Koreans’ adoption and usage behaviors of COVID-19 apps that detect the “place” where infectious people are found and alert people within 100m in dangerous zones. Our focus was on such apps’ impact on various facets of human life . Specifically, we analyzed mobile app usage data from 5,940 panelists at the start of the pandemic in South Korea and after the first major wave (January 6 to August 2, 2020). Findings showed that higher-income and more educated individuals were more likely to adopt COVID-19 apps early, and male and low-income people tended to use the COVID-19 tracking apps more frequently. In addition, this study offered empirical evidence of health protective behaviors, such as driving, shopping online, ordering food online, and avoiding travel and public transportation, and supported social- and religious-coping for people using COVID-19 apps. The implications are valuable for policy makers to implement a digital policy to motivate people to voluntarily engage in self-protective and coping behaviors through COVID-19 apps.

A comparative analysis of COVID-19 vaccination certificates in 12 countries/regions around the world: Rationalising health policies for international travel and domestic social activities during the pandemic

“…Thirdly, the verification process also poses technical challenges to the developers of COVID-19 vaccination verification systems and apps. While some countries, such as South Korea, employed the latest technical solutions such as blockchain technology in the verification of the COVID-19 vaccination certificates, many other countries were not doing so or were not able to do so, though the potential in the application of emerging technologies, such as blockchain technology, has been mentioned as a way forward to protect personal privacy implemented in COVID-19 vaccine passports and contact tracing [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ].…”

Public Acceptance of COVID-19 Related Location Tracking Technology While in Quarantine: Evidence from South Korea

“…Finally, the specific reasons for supporting or opposing the introduction of a wrist-worn electronic device that tracks real-time location during quarantine was analysed graphically using a bar chart. Regarding the determinants of the public acceptance of tracking devices (Table 3), it can be observed that socio- where diagnosed patients were found) by dividing the data periods into three phases; before the peak of the first wave, during the peak, and after the peak [14]. The results…”

“…After the peak, people with higher education levels were more likely to adopt the apps [12]. On the other hand, low-income respondents were prone to utilize COVID-19 apps more frequently even though they tended to use COVID-19 apps late [14]. Moreover, the findings indicated that younger respondents as well as respondents with lower income and lower education levels were less likely to adopt COVID-19 apps [14].…”

“…On the other hand, low-income respondents were prone to utilize COVID-19 apps more frequently even though they tended to use COVID-19 apps late [14]. Moreover, the findings indicated that younger respondents as well as respondents with lower income and lower education levels were less likely to adopt COVID-19 apps [14]. In our study, we did not find significant age effects, however our study did not use a detail ed age classification, which might be considered in future research.…”

“…As of 14 There have been many global efforts to contain the spread of highly infectious disease, COVID-19. Governments encouraged people to improve their hygiene standards and took protective measures by closing schools and stores and advising people to stay home [2].…”