Use of social media apps linked to feelings of isolation during COVID-19

Iran Daily, page 9, 31 Jan - https://irandaily.ir/News/280172.html?catid=3&title=Use-of-social-media-apps-linked-to-feelings-of-isolation-during-COVID-19

Similar report in The Hindustan Times, 31 Jan - https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/relationships/use-of-social-media-apps-linked-to-feelings-of-isolation-during-covid19-101612078354742.html_

The use of online messaging and social media apps among Singapore residents has spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, an NTU study has found. Accompanying this spike is videoconferencing fatigue. The increased use of online communication tools could in part be driven by feelings of isolation, said the researchers. The nationwide online study is commissioned by the Centre for Information Integrity and the Internet (IN-cube), a new research centre at NTU's 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 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.”