Impacts of social isolation and risk perception on social networking intensity among university students during covid-19

PLoS One. 2023 Apr 28;18(4):e0283997. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283997. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the impacts of social isolation and risk perception on social networking intensity during COVID-19. Data was gathered from 345 university students. The present study empirically analyzed the data through a partial least squares methodology. The analysis showed that perceived behavioral control positively impacts social networking intensity. Affective risk perception positively affects subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Cognitive risk perception has a significant association with both subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Moreover, cabin fever syndrome serves as the key determinant of both sub-scales of risk perception. This study is novel in that it organically examines the effects of risk perception, social action, and closure on social networking. The current research and findings will offer useful implications for service providers in the social network industry.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Perception
  • Social Isolation
  • Social Networking
  • Students / psychology
  • Universities

Grants and funding

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.