Parents' use of digital technology for social connection during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study

Nowland, R., McNally, L. and Gregory, P. (2024) Parents' use of digital technology for social connection during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, (doi: 10.1111/sjop.12998) (PMID:38258304) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) resulted in isolation due to social distancing rules and lockdowns, during which technology was used to enable families and friends to maintain contact. Despite loneliness being high in parents, little is known about which parents are more likely to experience loneliness and strategies to support them. Method: This mixed-methods study examines which parents were lonely during the pandemic and how digital technologies were used to reduce loneliness and social isolation. Data were collected during the first UK lockdown from May to July 2020 via an online survey (N = 145) and follow-up interviews (n = 13). Results: Loneliness reported during lockdown was greater than retrospective reporting of loneliness for all respondents, but it was higher in single parents, those caring for children with specific needs, and those with lower household incomes before and during lockdown. Parents rapidly adapted to and experimented with using technology for social connection during the lockdown, which helped to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Video calling was found to be useful for making connections and enhancing social presence, but parents also experienced anxieties and difficulties with its use. There were mixed views about technology use; some were keen to continue using technology for socializing after the lockdown ended, but for others, it was only a temporary measure. Conclusion: Although technology was invaluable during the pandemic, it was not a panacea, and the way parents used it was influenced by their approach to technology and existing social behaviors and networks.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by internal funding from the Centre for Digital Life, University of Central Lancashire.
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gregory, Dr Peggy

Creator Roles

Gregory, P.: Conceptualization, Methodology, Visualization, Writing – review and editing, Supervision, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Formal analysis, Writing – original draft

• Authors: Nowland, R., McNally, L., and Gregory, P.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology; T Technology > T Technology (General)
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
• Journal Name: Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0036-5564
• ISSN (Online): 1467-9450
• Published Online: 22 January 2024
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2024 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 2024
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license