Скачать или смотреть Virtual Social Interaction, Loneliness, and Well-Being Among Emerging Adults Amid the COVID Pandemic

Inequalities in Health and Wellness: Gates Cambridge Internal Symposium
March 5th, 2021

Preprint: https://psyarxiv.com/2ghtd/

Abstract: Much of life has moved online due to the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, yet little research has investigated whether or not virtual social interactions might help to buffer against loneliness and increase well-being, particularly in the vulnerable group of emerging adults. In this study, participants completed online questionnaires assessing objective social isolation, loneliness, mental health, and virtual social interactions. There was clear evidence for lower well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic in emerging adults characterized by large increases in depressive symptoms, and large decrements in happiness and social satisfaction post-pandemic onset. In line with expectations, a robust positive association was seen between household size (an index of objective social contact) and well-being. However, contrary to expectations, there was no association between the frequency of virtual social interactions and well-being. More empirical evidence is required before “virtual” remedies are prescribed as a panacea to replace in-person interactions during COVID-19.