Connected while apart: Associations between social distancing, computer-mediated communication frequency, and positive affect during the early phases of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered life for individuals worldwide. Specifically, at the time of data collection (late April 2020), most forms face-to-face interactions were limited and, in some cases, prohibited, as close contact with others increases rate transmitting virus. As social beings, engaging distancing may have negative consequences on well-being. However, many maintained their connections by means computer-mediated communication (CMC), such hosting FaceTime happy hours or family reunions. Utilizing a nationally representative sample 985 adults from United States, this study investigated association between adherence and positive affect extent to which might be mediated CMC frequency. Results did not indicate direct effect affect. an indirect these two variables occurred when greater predicted frequency CMC, These findings held controlling age, gender, race/ethnicity, relationship status, income. suggest that despite distancing, beneficial way engage during perhaps, beyond COVID-19.