Smartphone Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Social Versus Physical Distancing

Meredith E. David and James A. Roberts
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Meredith E. David: Department of Marketing, Hankamer School of Business, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
James A. Roberts: Department of Marketing, Hankamer School of Business, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-8

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the globe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, limiting face-to-face interaction is the best strategy for reducing the spread of COVID-19. We investigate the impact of social distancing on social connection and well-being, while also considering the moderating influence of smartphone use. In a survey of 400 students, the study presented herein finds that smartphone use attenuates the negative impact of social distancing on social connection and well-being. Contrary to popular sentiments regarding the influence of smartphone use on well-being, increased smartphone use during the pandemic may foster social connection and well-being. Overall, the research presented provides evidence that the perceived loss of social connection with others is not a de facto outcome of social distancing. The study’s findings have important implications for public policymakers, government officials, and others, including consumer researchers. These implications include stressing the important role technology can play in staying socially connected during the current pandemic and the importance of reframing “social distancing” as “physical distancing with social connectedness”.

Keywords: social distancing; physical distancing; COVID-19; social connection; smartphone use; pandemics; well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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