Use and self-perceived effects of social media before and after the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-national study

Hilde Thygesen,Daicia Price,Janni Leung,Mary Ruffolo,Amy Østertun Geirdal,Mariyana Schoultz,Tore Bonsaksen

doi:10.1007/s12553-021-00595-x

Abstract

To (i) examine the use of social media before and after the COVID-19 outbreak; (ii) examine the self-perceived impact of social media before and after the outbreak; and (iii) examine whether the self-perceived impacts of social media after the outbreak varied by levels of mental health. A cross-national online survey was conducted in Norway, UK, USA and Australia. Participants (n = 3810) reported which social media they used, how frequently they used them before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, and the degree to which they felt social media contributed to a range of outcomes. The participants also completed the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. The data were analyzed by chi-square tests and multiple linear regression analysis. Social media were used more frequently after the pandemic outbreak than compared to before the outbreak. Self-perceived effects from using social media increased after the COVID-19 outbreak, and in particular stress and concern for own and others’ health. Emotional distress was associated with being more affected from using social media, in particular in terms of stress and concern for own or others’ health. The use of social media has increased during the coronavirus outbreak, as well as its impacts on people. In particular, the participants reported more stress and health concerns attributed to social media use after the COVID-19 outbreak. People with poor mental health appear to be particularly vulnerable to experiencing more stress and concern related to their use of social media.

Highlights

The coronavirus outbreak has caused a global health crisis
In support of self-efficacy impacting on stress levels, a previous Swedish study using a general population sample found that men and women with low self-efficacy were more likely to suffer from mental illness, compared to those with higher self-efficacy [42]. We found that those who were not employed were more in agreement that social media contributed to support, communication, information and to being updated
Based on the self-reports by the participants in this study, the use of social media appears to have increased during the coronavirus outbreak, as have the impacts social media have on people

Summary

Introduction

The coronavirus outbreak has caused a global health crisis. The virus, which originated in China, has spread to all continents, causing large numbers of infected and dead worldwide [1]. The social distancing rules caused nurseries, schools and universities to close, and a lockdown of most of society caused a number of businesses to close, resulting in unemployment rates increasing sharply [3]. Due to complying with the social distancing rules, contact with family outside the household, friends and colleagues were limited to online communication forms, which included the use of social media platforms. Social media are increasingly becoming important platforms of communication and information-exchange [4]. Social media is here understood as “computer-based technology that facilitates the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and information through the building of virtual networks and communities” [5]. In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, social media played a vital role in connecting people, and in providing updated information about the virus [6]

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