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

Author

Listed:
  • Natale Canale

    (University of Padova)

  • Claudia Marino

    (University of Padova)

  • Michela Lenzi

    (University of Padova)

  • Alessio Vieno

    (University of Padova)

  • Mark D. Griffiths

    (Nottingham Trent University)

  • Marta Gaboardi

    (University of Padova)

  • Matteo Giraldo

    (University of Padova)

  • Carmen Cervone

    (University of Padova)

  • Santinello Massimo

    (University of Padova)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Natale Canale & Claudia Marino & Michela Lenzi & Alessio Vieno & Mark D. Griffiths & Marta Gaboardi & Matteo Giraldo & Carmen Cervone & Santinello Massimo, 2022. "How Communication Technology Fosters Individual and Social Wellbeing During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Support For a Digital Interaction Model," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 727-745, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:23:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s10902-021-00421-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-021-00421-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Maartje Boer & Concepción Moreno-Maldonado & Maxim Dierckens & Michela Lenzi & Candace Currie & Caroline Residori & Lucia Bosáková & Paola Berchialla & Tamsyn Eida & Gonneke Stevens, 2024. "The Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic for the Construction of the Family Affluence Scale: Findings from 16 Countries," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 17(1), pages 395-418, February.
    2. Simone Rollo & Claudia Venuleo & Lucrezia Ferrante & Raffaele De Luca Picione, 2023. "What Adolescents Have to Say about Problematic Internet Use: A Qualitative Study Based on Focus Groups," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(21), pages 1-19, November.

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