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Home Research Topics Internet & Technology COVID-19 & Technology
Pew Research CenterAugust 29, 2021
1. How the internet and technology shaped Americans’ personal experiences amid COVID-19

Americans with lower incomes particularly likely to say they feel less close to family members now than before the pandemic

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Americans with lower incomes particularly likely to say they feel less close to family members now than before the pandemic

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1. How the internet and technology shaped Americans’ personal experiences amid COVID-19
As of April 2021, nine-in-ten Americans say the internet has been essential or important to them personally during the coronavirus outbreak
Uptick in shares of adults ages 18 to 29, 65 and older who say the internet has been essential amid COVID-19
81% of Americans have ever talked with others via video calls during the pandemic
When asked to describe in their own words how they’ve used technology in new or different ways, about four-in-ten mention video calls
17% of Americans say digital interactions have been just as good as in-person contact; about two-thirds say these have been useful but not a replacement
As of April, 25% of Americans say they feel less close to close family members compared with before the pandemic, and 53% say this about acquaintances
White adults more likely than Black, Hispanic adults to report no change in the closeness of their family ties and friendships during the pandemic
About half or more of those whose personal lives changed in a major way say texts, messaging apps, voice calls have helped a lot for staying connected
Adults ages 18 to 29 twice as likely as those 50 and older to say they feel closer with their friends than before the pandemic
Americans with lower incomes particularly likely to say they feel less close to family members now than before the pandemic
71% of adults say text messages or group messaging apps have helped them at least a little to stay connected with family, friends during the pandemic
Women, Black and Hispanic adults are particularly likely to say certain technologies have helped them a lot to stay connected with family, friends amid the pandemic
About a third of Americans say their personal lives changed in a major way as a result of the pandemic
About three-quarters of those who have been on video calls several times a day in the pandemic say they feel worn out or fatigued from this at least sometimes
Young adults under 30 who have made video calls in the pandemic more likely than older users to say they are worn out, fatigued from spending time on calls
About half of adults under 30 have tried to cut back on the amount of time they spend on the internet or their smartphone during the pandemic
Young adults under 30 who have made video calls in the pandemic more likely than older users to say they are worn out, fatigued from spending time on calls
81% of Americans have ever talked with others via video calls during the pandemic
When asked to describe in their own words how they’ve used technology in new or different ways, about four-in-ten mention video calls

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