Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Usage during COVID-19: Motivating Factors and Implications

Yi-Ching Lee, Lindsey A. Malcein and Sojung Claire Kim
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Yi-Ching Lee: Department of Psychology, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
Lindsey A. Malcein: Department of Psychology, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
Sojung Claire Kim: Department of Communication, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-14

Abstract: This study was designed to investigate the roles information and communications technology (ICT) played during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we focused on the relationships between ICT use and perceived importance of social connectedness and future anxiety, while considering relevant personality and psychosocial factors. A U.S. sample of 394 adults answered questions about ICT use, pandemic-related reactions and actions, demographics, and psychosocial factors via an online survey. Using logistic regression, findings indicated that personality (extraversion and conscientiousness) and psychosocial (need to belong and perceived attachment to phone) factors, types of ICT as news source, and gender were associated with perceived importance of social connectedness. Neuroticism, time spent on ICT for social purposes, and perceived threat of COVID-19 were associated with future anxiety. In addition, using Mann–Whitney U test, people who rated higher on importance of social connectedness had higher ICT use, both in terms of types and time spent on ICT. Overall, results are consistent with the idea that technology is a coping tool during the pandemic and balanced use can lead to feelings of social connectedness and less future anxiety. Therefore, it is important for authorities to align their messaging and outreach with people’s psychosocial, personality, and health considerations through ICT channels while empowering ICT users to be responsible for their interactions with the technology.

Keywords: Information and Communications Technology (ICT); COVID-19; social connectedness; future anxiety; social media; technology and society (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 (5)

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