How communication technology fosters individual and social wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: Preliminary support for a digital interaction model

Abstract

The present study preliminary tested the compensatory social interaction model for individuals experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic. This original model comprises two distinct processes: expression of online emotions leads to post-traumatic growth, which can favor positive mental health and prosocial behaviors; and receiving online social support leads to increases in positive mental health, which can also favor prosocial behaviors. Adults living in Italy (n=1412) completed an online survey during the lockdown period in March 2020. Results showed that being more involved in expression of online emotions was associated with higher post-traumatic growth that in turn was associated with prosocial behaviors. Moreover, participants who perceived higher online social support were more likely to report higher positive mental health that in turn was associated with prosocial behaviors. Collectively, these two social interaction processes suggest that communication technologies appear to be critical resources in helping individuals cope with difficulties raised by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Stories of Life during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: A Qualitative Study

“…Even though this way of communicating was perceived as “depersonalising”, it was also considered a good way to keep in contact and reduce stress. Our results confirmed the findings in the literature about online social support and emotional sharing being associated with positive effects on mental health and well-being [ 31 ] and about social connectedness having benefits in relieving stress and fatigue [ 32 ]. As social resources could be scarce during the period of the pandemic, psychological support via digital media together with telemedicine or peer support groups could be an important safeguard, especially for the vulnerable population, such as people with pre-existing psychiatric disorders, older, and/or marginalised people [ 33 ].…”

Social Media and Students’ Wellbeing: An Empirical Analysis during the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…Research findings repeatedly confirm that if a student has internal motivation to perform compulsory tasks, they put them off less [93]. Self-motivation thus proves to be one of the key aspects in the prevention of academic procrastination [87], even in the difficult times of a pandemic.…”

“…Although a procrastinating individual does not perform the tasks he should do, he has many other activities that he engages in and that occupy his time [89]. Procrastination is primarily a motivational problem that cannot be associated only with poor time-management skills or student laziness [90][91][92][93].…”

Policy Recommendations for Preventing Problematic Internet Use in Schools: A Qualitative Study of Parental Perspectives

“…COVID-19-related distress impacted young people directly or indirectly in several ways, through disruption of individuals’ activities, the enforcement of restrictions, the closing of schools, the challenges of online learning, health problems, and lack of face-to-face social or physical activity and play [ 159 ]. This prolonged period of isolation and restriction of real life interactions led to an increased reliance on screen time [ 160 ] and recreational online activities, such as gaming and social media use to maintain social connections [ 161 ] or for escapism [ 162 ], posing risks for more vulnerable young people [ 163 ]. Therefore, implications for prevention and intervention initiatives are particularly relevant for at risk individuals but also for maintaining balanced levels of screen time which influence sedentariness, overeating and impaired sleep [ 164 ].…”