2020_03_30_ICS_encuesta_coronavirus

Researchers of the project 'Youth in Transition' of the Institute for Culture and Society (ICS) at the University of Navarra have developed a survey on welfare and use of technology during quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic. They are asking for volunteers to fill it out anonymously through this link.

"The state of coronavirus alarm has confined us to our homes and has triggered the use of cell phones and digital entertainment. We have designed this questionnaire to explore the well-being staff of citizens in these special circumstances," explains Javier García-Manglano, researcher principal of project.

The survey is part of the ICS "WISE-UN" (Well-being in Internet, Social Networking and Digital Entertainment Use) study, which explores the effect that digital consumption has on well-being staff. It brings together experts in sociology, psychology and communication to address the individual and contextual factors that influence the use of mobile technology. 

An interdisciplinary issue

For Professor García-Manglano, "the use of technology involves a variety of factors that require an interdisciplinary approach ". He mentions that, so far, "the emphasis has been placed on psychological issues, such as personality or self-esteem. Although these are important, we should not forget that poor use of technology can also respond to relational deficiencies". 

For this reason, he considers it necessary to know the sociological context of Username: "In many cases, problematic behaviors in the virtual environment have their origin in shortcomings and suffering in the real world".

With respect to home confinement due to the pandemic, Claudia López, a psychologist at project, pointed out that "we must also pay attention to the 'silent symptoms' derived from the coronavirus". As she points out, the measures of the current crisis "imply a change that favors the presence of symptoms such as anxiety, stress, fear and feelings of loneliness". 

In these times of uncertainty," he adds, "the use of technology plays a very important role in terms of mental health. When used in a negative way, it can increase the feeling of being out of control and focus our attention only on the negative; this is known as 'confirmation bias'". 

Or, he stresses, "it can be used as a means to support resilient coping. We are at a unique moment to better understand the positive uses of technology for greater digital well-being."

The research team also includes Charo Sádaba, dean of School of Communication and an expert on the impact of technology specifically on young audiences.