A survey conducted by Ohio State University found that Americans have changed their social media habits substantially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and other major factors.
According to a survey involving 2,000 participants, more than half of Americans have noticed a change in habits on social media platforms as a result of tensions pertaining to current events in 2020.
Nearly 3 in 10 Americans report an increase in social media activity as a result of tensions in 2020 and only 1 in 5 Americans stated they’ve taken a pause from social media as a result of COVID-19, the survey also found.
“Being constantly immersed in this stressful environment and being overexposed to contentious or traumatic events can make you feel like the world is a less safe place to be. And because these stressors have persisted over a long period of time, it’s wearing on people’s ability to cope with that stress,” said Ken Yeager, a clinical professor at Ohio State University.
“Even though you can’t control what happens on social media, it’s important to recognize how it may affect you and take steps to limit your exposure,” Yeager affirmed.
Aside from the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers also cite social movements targeting racial inequality in addition to political conflicts within the U.S. when discussing motives for social media habits.
