Alone and lonely? How physical and perceived isolation can lead to problematic internet use

Zhang Hao Goh; Edson C. Tandoc; Vanessa Xinyi Chan

doi:10.1080/0144929X.2022.2134825

Alone and lonely? How physical and perceived isolation can lead to problematic internet use

Zhang Hao Goh^*, Edson C. Tandoc, Vanessa Xinyi Chan

^*Corresponding author for this work

Nanyang Technological University

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Although physical isolation measures can stem the spread of COVID-19, they can also heighten individuals’ perceived isolation and feeling of loneliness, resulting in problematic internet use (PIU). However, studies have rarely investigated both the effects of physical and perceived isolation on PIU. Given the widespread availability and accessibility of digital communication technologies, it is difficult to conclude that the former may necessitate the latter inducing PIU. Using a two-wave longitudinal national survey in Singapore (n = 689), this study found that, at Time 1, both physical and perceived social isolation have direct and independent effects on internet users’ preference for online social interaction (POSI), driving PIU. This, in turn, leads to their experience of negative outcomes at Time 2. The results highlight the importance of considering the independent effects of physical and perceived isolation in affecting POSI leading to PIU.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	2588-2600
Number of pages	13
Journal	Behaviour and Information Technology
Volume	42
Issue number	15
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2022.2134825
Publication status	Published - 2023
Externally published	Yes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

Developmental and Educational Psychology
Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
General Social Sciences
Human-Computer Interaction

Keywords

cognition
ICT
loneliness
physical isolation
problematic internet use
Social isolation

Access to Document

10.1080/0144929X.2022.2134825

Cite this

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title = "Alone and lonely? How physical and perceived isolation can lead to problematic internet use",

abstract = "Although physical isolation measures can stem the spread of COVID-19, they can also heighten individuals{\textquoteright} perceived isolation and feeling of loneliness, resulting in problematic internet use (PIU). However, studies have rarely investigated both the effects of physical and perceived isolation on PIU. Given the widespread availability and accessibility of digital communication technologies, it is difficult to conclude that the former may necessitate the latter inducing PIU. Using a two-wave longitudinal national survey in Singapore (n = 689), this study found that, at Time 1, both physical and perceived social isolation have direct and independent effects on internet users{\textquoteright} preference for online social interaction (POSI), driving PIU. This, in turn, leads to their experience of negative outcomes at Time 2. The results highlight the importance of considering the independent effects of physical and perceived isolation in affecting POSI leading to PIU.",

keywords = "cognition, ICT, loneliness, physical isolation, problematic internet use, Social isolation",

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AU - Goh, Zhang Hao

AU - Tandoc, Edson C.

AU - Chan, Vanessa Xinyi

PY - 2023

Y1 - 2023

N2 - Although physical isolation measures can stem the spread of COVID-19, they can also heighten individuals’ perceived isolation and feeling of loneliness, resulting in problematic internet use (PIU). However, studies have rarely investigated both the effects of physical and perceived isolation on PIU. Given the widespread availability and accessibility of digital communication technologies, it is difficult to conclude that the former may necessitate the latter inducing PIU. Using a two-wave longitudinal national survey in Singapore (n = 689), this study found that, at Time 1, both physical and perceived social isolation have direct and independent effects on internet users’ preference for online social interaction (POSI), driving PIU. This, in turn, leads to their experience of negative outcomes at Time 2. The results highlight the importance of considering the independent effects of physical and perceived isolation in affecting POSI leading to PIU.

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Alone and lonely? How physical and perceived isolation can lead to problematic internet use

Abstract

Bibliographical note

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

Keywords

Access to Document

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New Behaviour and Information Technology Findings from Nanyang Technological University Reported (Alone and Lonely? How Physical and Perceived Isolation Can Lead To Problematic Internet Use)

New Behaviour and Information Technology Findings Reported from Nanyang Technological University (Alone and Lonely? How Physical and Perceived Isolation Can Lead To Problematic Internet Use)

Cite this

Alone and lonely? How physical and perceived isolation can lead to problematic internet use

Abstract

Bibliographical note

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

Keywords

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

Press/Media

New Behaviour and Information Technology Findings from Nanyang Technological University Reported (Alone and Lonely? How Physical and Perceived Isolation Can Lead To Problematic Internet Use)

New Behaviour and Information Technology Findings Reported from Nanyang Technological University (Alone and Lonely? How Physical and Perceived Isolation Can Lead To Problematic Internet Use)

Cite this