Use of technologies and the COVID-19 pandemic

what changed?

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-8623.2024.1.43034

Keywords:

information technology, COVID-19, mental health.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has promoted an intensive use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for everyday activities. Given the conflicting understandings regarding the impacts of the use of these technologies on mental health, the present study sought to deepen current knowledge, in view of this experience. In June/2020, 327 adults (M=43.56) answered an online survey on ICT use compared to before the pandemic, anxiety (GAD-7) and well-being (WEMWBS). The results showed that, in addition to the positive association between intensity of use and anxiety, the intense use "to seek information" stood out among the purposes, in spite of the renowned spread of unreliable information. Moreover, a negative association was identified between perceived low use of ICT for new purposes and well-being, indicating an expectation of more uses of technological resources. In parallel to continuing research focusing on the circumstantial developments, the findings suggest it is necessary to rethink health guidance related to ICT usage in the post-pandemic scenario.

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Author Biographies

Amanda Borges Fortes, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.

Master in Clinical Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; with specialization in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy from Wainer Psicologia (Wainer), in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduated in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; clinical psychologist with a cognitive-behavioral approach, in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Patrícia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.

PhD and Master in Administration with a post-doctorate in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; with a specialization in Neuropsychology from InTCC – Teaching, Research and Individual and Family Care (InTCC), in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; postgraduate degree in Marketing and Consumer Behavior from the University of California, in Santa Barbara, CA, USA; graduated in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP), in São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Carolina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.

PhD and Master in Psychology from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, with an internship at the University of Minho (UMinho), in Braga, Portugal; graduated in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist certified by the Brazilian Federation of Cognitive Therapies (FBTC), in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

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Published

2024-12-05

How to Cite

Borges Fortes, A., Patrícia, & Carolina. (2024). Use of technologies and the COVID-19 pandemic: what changed?. Psico, 55(1), e43034. https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-8623.2024.1.43034

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Vol. 55 No. 1 (2024): Single Volume - Continuous flow

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