The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pandemic of Lockdown Loneliness and the Role of Digital Technology

Abstract

The focus of this perspective is on lockdown loneliness, which we define as loneliness resulting from social disconnection as a result of enforced social distancing and lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also explore the role of digital technology in tackling lockdown loneliness amid the pandemic. In this regard, we highlight and discuss a number of the key relevant issues: a description of lockdown loneliness, the burden of lockdown loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, characteristics of people who are more likely to be affected by lockdown loneliness, factors that could increase the risk of loneliness, lockdown loneliness as an important public health issue, tackling loneliness during the pandemic, digital technology tools for social connection and networking during the pandemic, assessment of digital technology tools from the end users’ perspectives, and access to and use of digital technology for tackling lockdown loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. We suggest that the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people who are more prone to lockdown loneliness are provided with access to digital technology so that they can connect socially with their loved ones and others; this could reduce loneliness resulting from social distancing and lockdowns during the COVID-19 crisis. Nonetheless, some key issues such as access to and knowledge of digital technology tools must be considered. In addition, the involvement of all key stakeholders (family and friends, social care providers, and clinicians and health allied professionals) should be ensured.

Psychosocial Effects and Use of Communication Technologies during Home Confinement in the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy and The Netherlands

“…With social distancing measures causing limited social interactions, the use of digital technology plays an increasingly important role by providing virtual opportunities for social connection [ 17 ]. Maintaining social networks and safe contact with family and loved ones via digital means has not just been declared as key priority [ 2 ], but an inability to do so is associated with longer-term distress [ 5 , 18 ].…”

The Role of the mHealth in the Fight against the Covid-19: Successes and Failures

“…This development involved both the enhancement and standardization of already consolidated solutions in digital health and the exploration of new potentials such as those of the DCT [ 8 , 9 ]. In many cases, the simple mTech itself has represented a real lifebuoy [ 6 , 7 ] both for the continuation of normal activities (working and teaching) and for providing a safety net. However, this has not always happened in a uniform way.…”

“…The second role is to support teaching, work and relational activities in an exceptional way, allowing social distancing between subjects, such as through messaging and/or video conferencing and/or social network tools [ 6 , 7 ].…”

“…During the pandemic there has been and currently there is an unprecedented use of Apps dedicated to communication for messaging/video. These Apps are mainly used [ 6 , 7 ] in the following sectors: Work activity, where there has been a massive introduction of the smart working tool . Didactics, where there was the introduction of methods of delivery of courses in remote mode.…”

“…Often thanks to these technologies we have witnessed the development and proliferation of spontaneous networks which in fact have provided, where applied, real psychological support to avoid isolation and loneliness [ 7 ].…”