How Communication Technology Fosters Individual and Social Wellbeing During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Support For a Digital Interaction Model

Natale Canale; Claudia Marino; Michela Lenzi; Alessio Vieno; Mark D Griffiths; Marta Gaboardi; Matteo Giraldo; Carmen Cervone; Santinello Massimo

doi:10.1007/s10902-021-00421-1

How Communication Technology Fosters Individual and Social Wellbeing During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Support For a Digital Interaction Model

J Happiness Stud. 2022;23(2):727-745. doi: 10.1007/s10902-021-00421-1. Epub 2021 Jun 19.

Authors

Natale Canale¹, Claudia Marino¹, Michela Lenzi¹, Alessio Vieno¹, Mark D Griffiths², Marta Gaboardi¹, Matteo Giraldo¹, Carmen Cervone¹, Santinello Massimo¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy.
² International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to test an explanatory model for individual and social wellbeing which incorporates the advantages of using digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out in Italy, one of the countries that has been most severely affected by the pandemic worldwide. The study was designed to include variables that might be specifically pertinent to the uniqueness of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Adults living in Italy (n = 1412) completed an online survey during the lockdown period in March 2020. Results showed two distinct digital interaction processes highlighted by the facilitating use of online emotions ("e-motions") and online social support ("e-support"). In short, e-motions were positively related to posttraumatic growth, which in turn was positively associated with positive mental health and higher engagement in prosocial behaviors. Moreover, individuals who perceived themselves as having greater e-support were characterized by higher levels of positive mental health, which it turn was positively associated with prosocial behaviors. Collectively, these two digital interaction processes suggest that digital technologies appear to be critical resources in helping individuals cope with difficulties raised by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus-19; Online social support; Positive mental health; Posttraumatic growth; Prosocial behaviors; Social sharing of emotions.