Study links use of social media apps to feelings of isolation during COVID-19

The New Indian Express, 28 Jan - https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/health/2021/jan/28/study-links-use-of-social-media-apps-to-feelings-of-isolation-during-covid-19-2256275.html

Similar reports on

Asian News International (India) - https://www.aninews.in/news/health/study-links-use-of-social-media-apps-to-feelings-of-isolation-during-covid-1920210128111448/
DTNext (India) - https://www.dtnext.in/Lifestyle/Wellbeing/2021/01/28233327/1273411/Study-links-use-of-social-media-apps-to-feelings-of-.vpf
Latestly (India) - https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/health-news-study-links-use-of-social-media-apps-to-feelings-of-isolation-during-covid-19-2289801.html

Yahoo Canada, Yahoo UK, Yahoo India, Yahoo Malaysia, all on 26 Jan.

While people have turned to cooking, reading, among other activities to deal with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which brings a fresh supply of stress every day, the use of social media apps has also spiked. According to a recent study, the use of online messaging and social media apps among Singapore residents has spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was led by NTU Singapore. Accompanying this spike is videoconferencing fatigue, found the NTU study. The increased use of online communication tools could in part be driven by feelings of isolation, said the researchers. The nationwide online study looking at the new normal following the COVID-19 outbreak is commissioned by the Centre for Information Integrity and the Internet (IN-cube), a new research centre at NTU's Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) and conducted by a local polling company. Assoc Prof Edson C Tandoc Jr, the Director at IN-cube said, “The significant correlation between the use of online communication tools and feelings of isolation from the survey results may help explain why most of our respondents reported an increase in their use of online communication tools in the past few months, as they turn to these tools to feel connected to others even when physical interactions have to be limited.” The IN-cube survey also found that some 68.7 per cent said they would likely or very likely continue to avoid places with large public gatherings. NTU Asst Prof Edmund Lee, Assistant Director at IN-cube said, “The intention of Singaporeans to avoid large public gatherings - even though they believe that COVID-19 situation will improve - is a positive indication that people are still remaining vigilant as they adapt to the new normal. The challenge is how we can avoid becoming victims of our own success, ensuring that people do not get 'COVID-19 fatigue' and let their guard down as Singapore gradually opens up to the world.”