COVID-19: Technology, Social Connections, Loneliness & Leisure Activities
Data collection period: 3 months (2020)
Principal Investigators: Hannah R. Marston (Open University, United Kingdom) and Sarah Earle (Open University, United Kingdom)
Investigator responsible at the IN3-UOC: Mireia Fernández-Ardèvol
Description:
Due to the outbreak and spread of the COVID-19 at a global scale, this project examines how digital technologies affect social connections and feelings of loneliness since the beginning of the pandemic.
This study uses an online survey deployed across mailing lists, social media platforms, and other digital environments to reach as many people as possible.
The aims of the study are to:
- Explore technology use and behaviour by citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Explore how citizens use technology to connect with COVID-19 support groups.
- Explore how citizens use technology to share information during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Explore the health and wellbeing of citizens during the COVID-19 relating to loneliness and digital health literacy.
- Explore how sharing information may differ across different citizens.
- Explore the behaviour and narratives of users who are using technology to maintain social connections and building new connections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Links:
Photo by Fusion Medical Animation on Unsplash.