Social Media Use, Social Connectedness, and Physical Distancing Among University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Olivia Holmes, The University of Western Ontario

Abstract

The overall purpose of this cross-sectional, survey-based study was to examine university students’ social media use, perceptions of in-person and online social connectedness, and feelings about physical distancing during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada. University students’ (N = 1,588; M_age = 22.4, SD = 5.1; 80.6% female) survey responses revealed high levels of in-person (M_item = 4.4, SD = 0.8) and online (M_item = 3.8, SD = 0.7) connectedness. Students who reported greater perceptions of connectedness were those whose social media use: (a) had “increased greatly” since the start of the pandemic; and (b) was active (versus passive). Connectedness was significantly higher among users of Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok (versus non-users). Students reporting greater support and attitudes about physical distancing also reported significantly higher connectedness scores. Results are discussed in the context of existing literature and as a basis for potential implications and future directions.