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Digital contact does not promote wellbeing, but face-to-face contact does: A cross-national survey during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Source :
-
New Media & Society . Jan2024, Vol. 26 Issue 1, p426-449. 24p. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- With restricted face-to-face interactions, COVID-19 lockdowns and distancing measures tested the capability of computer-mediated communication to foster social contact and wellbeing. In a multinational sample (n = 6436), we investigated how different modes of contact related to wellbeing during the pandemic. Computer-mediated communication was more common than face-to-face, and its use was influenced by COVID-19 death rates, more so than state stringency measures. Despite its legal and health threats, face-to-face contact was still positively associated with wellbeing, and messaging apps had a negative association. Perceived household vulnerability to COVID-19 reduced the positive effect of face-to-face communication on wellbeing, but surprisingly, people's own vulnerability did not. Computer-mediated communication was particularly negatively associated with the wellbeing of young and empathetic people. Findings show people endeavored to remain socially connected, yet however, maintain a physical distance, despite the tangible costs to their wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14614448
- Volume :
- 26
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- New Media & Society
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 174789485
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448211062164