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.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the globe, resulting in about 29.3 million confirmed cases and about 0.93 million deaths worldwide as of September 15, 2020 [1]
The increase in loneliness during the pandemic has been attributed to COVID-19 lockdowns [3,11], during which social connection and social support become very limited because of the enforced physical distancing, social isolation, and quarantine measures [18]
Most people affected by social isolation and lockdown loneliness during the pandemic might not feel lonely yet because these effects may take some time to show up [56]
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the globe, resulting in about 29.3 million confirmed cases and about 0.93 million deaths worldwide as of September 15, 2020 [1]. COVID-19; coronavirus; pandemic; social isolation; loneliness; lockdown; social distancing; digital technology; social connectedness; social networking; online digital tools The pandemic has compelled governments and authorities in affected countries to enforce preventive measures including enforced lockdowns, social distancing, self-isolation, and quarantine to slow down the spread of COVID-19 [2].
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