Pandemic and its’ role

in problematic
Internet Usage and
Social Anxiety in a
Grounded Theory
Study
TABLE OF CONTENTS
0 Introduction
0 Methodology
1 Recap of COVID-19 and Changes 2 Data collection procedure
in the Internet

0 Formation of Main
Category and Category
0 Theory
3 Connotation 4 Establishment
Describe of the concept and Describe of the thoery
category
 01
Introduction
Background of the study
How the internet has changed during
Pandemic
Post-
Pandemic
Pandemic
2020 2022 onward
2019 2021
Outbreak of
Pandemic
COVID-19
 How the internet has changed during Pandemic
from Jan 2020 – Jan 2022
+316
Million
+7.3 % from Jan20
vs Jan 21

+192Mil
lion
+4.0 % from
Jan 21 to Jan 22

Source : https://wearesocial.com/ca-en/blog/2022/02/digital-2022/
OUR PHILOSOPHY

Problematic Internet
Usage Social Anxiety COVID-19
Former study stated the Shifting Living style ?
Defining and describing the
generalized anxiety disorder, Study on 2019 and 2021 no
characteristics of internet
mixed anxiety is associated align with the former studies
usage problem
with addictive use of Internet.
Exploring its causes and
effects.
(1) What the changes are and how they are formed in
terms of Internet usage under Pandemic?

(2) How is this contemporary Internet habit and COVID-19

situation affecting social-related beings?
Methodology
02
Ground Theory
 Ground Theory
Procedure
Data
01 Collection 5 Semi-structure Interview
20-30 mins (12,000 words of recorded data)

02 Coding Open coding > Axial Coding > Selective Coding

Theoretica Recurrence of similar instances with no other addition

03 l contributing to the development of its properties (Glaser and
Strauss, 1967)
Saturation
coding paradigm model formulate the relations and to
04 Theory understand of the phenomena under investigation.
03 Formation
of Main
Category and
Category
Connotation
 Concepts and Categories
Behavior Adaptations in Properties
Changes Social Alteration of the
Dynamics Internet
1. Avoidance behaviour on 1. Changes in Social Interactions 1. Shifting of the Internet
Internet usage preferences
2. Coping Mechanisms: Excusing
2. Withdrawal In-Person Interactions 2. Change in Role of Social
3. Exceeding Expected Time and Media
3. Living Arrangements
Frequency
3. Preferences for Virtual
4. Compulsive Behaviour/Salience 4. Balancing Online and Offline Interactions
Interactions
5. Awareness and Adjustment
 Concepts and Categories
Challenges in Impact on Mental
Work and Reflection on
Managing Education-related and Physical Technology and
Internet Use Concerns: Health
1. Inability manage internet 1. relationships
Job / income related 1. Sense of Isolation 1. Value of Real-Life
exposure
concerns Connections
2. Device Dependency 2. Social Anxiety during
2. Work conditional to online Pandemic 2. Pursuing of Personal
access space
3. Fear and Uncertainty

4. Health Concern

5. Digital Fatigue

6. Emotional and Mental

Well-being
04
Process
Development
 Utilizing Conceptual Analysis
Paradigms to Integrate Structure
and Processes
Intervening Condition

Causal Conditions Phenomenon Action/Strategies Consequences

Contextual Conditions
 Process Development flowchart
Intervening Work & Education Concerns
Condition

Causal Action & Consequen

Phenomenon
Conditions Social related / non-related
strategies ces
Reflection on Technology and
1. Behaviour Changes relationships
1. COVID – Lockdown well-being issues
2. Properties Alteration of the
2. Adaptations In Social
Internet
Dynamics

Contextual
Condition
1. Inability manage internet
exposures

2. Device Dependency
05
Theory
Development
Causal *Pseudonym is used in this presentation to
protect the interviewee’s privacy
^ Frequency that mentioned in the interview

Condition
Properties Alteration of the Internet

- Shifting Usage preferences (26)^, Change in Role of Social Media (12)^, Preferences for Virtual
Interactions (11)^
 the change of the Usage preferences, behavioral habits, Media Consumption
 Adapting to virtual activities  contributing to Mental and Physical Health

 According to the interview: High Frequency (mentioned by All interviewee)  as the adaptation to
this new usage pattern.
Example from Emily* : “Yes, my laptop and smartphone became my lifelines for work,
parenting resources, and staying connected with family and friends.”
Example from David* : "As my work moved entirely online, I found myself spending more
time in front of screens, and this shift certainly impacted my daily routine.”
Other Example : “The pandemic reshaped my internet usage” & Virtual gatherings became a
norm… It was a shift I hadn't expected but learned to appreciate.
Phenomen *Pseudonym is used in this presentation to

on
Impact on Mental and Physical Health
protect the interviewee’s privacy
^ Frequency that mentioned in the interview

Social related : Sense of Isolation (17)^ & Social Anxiety in the Pandemic (14)^
Social nonrelated : Fear and Uncertainty(19)^, Health Concern(11)^, Emotional and Mental Well-
being(17)^

 According to the interview: High Frequency (mentioned by All interviewee) a dynamic interplay of
internet properties impacting the mental & physical health

 Example from Sarah* : “It made me more conscious of social dynamics and the potential risks
associated with public gatherings”
 Example from David* : “The shift forced me to adapt my networking strategies, emphasizing
virtual interactions to bridge the gap” & and a feeling of being constantly "on" motivated me to
find a healthier equilibrium & “Created a sense of disconnect” “I did experience moments of
unease when contemplating social interactions” & “level of apprehension about reintegrating
into social activities."
Phenomenon *Pseudonym is used in this presentation to

(con’t)
Impact on Mental and Physical Health
protect the interviewee’s privacy
^ Frequency that mentioned in the interview

Social related : Sense of Isolation (17)^ & Social Anxiety in the Pandemic (14)^
Social nonrelated : Fear and Uncertainty(19)^, Health Concern(11)^, Emotional and Mental Well-
being(17)^

 According to the interview: High Frequency (mentioned by All interviewee) How this adaptation
implicates for their mental and physical well-being during the pandemic.

 Example from Emily* : “Virtual gatherings and online chats became the norm, although they
couldn't replicate the experience of being physically present with friends.” & I found that the
depth of conversation was sometimes compromised by the limitations of virtual platforms.
 Example from David* : “There was a time when I missed a close friend's milestone celebration
due to restrictions. Although we organized a virtual gathering, it felt different. The lack of shared
physical space impacted the celebratory atmosphere, and despite our best efforts, the
emotional connection wasn't as strong” & "One ….. The virtual setting made it harder to read
social cues, which occasionally led to feelings of self-consciousness and unease."
 *Pseudonym is used in this presentation to

Action/Strategies protect the interviewee’s privacy

^ Frequency that mentioned in the interview

• Behavioral Changes: Withdrawal (12)^, Expected Time and Frequency(12)^ Compulsive

Behavior/Salience (7)^

• Adaptations in Social Dynamics : Avoidance Behaviors: Excusing In-Person Interactions(20)^,

Balancing Online and Offline Interactions (8)^, Awareness of Problems(7)^

• According to the interview: High Frequency (mentioned by All interviewee)

• Example of : Withdrawal,
• David*: Adapting was a learning process. …... I made a conscious effort to take breaks, engage
in hobbies that didn't involve screens” &
• Example of : Expected Time and Frequency
• “My total time spent online definitely increased…., given the need for virtual work interactions
and online socializing.” & “reshaped how I utilized the Internet”
• Example of Compulsive Behavior/Salience (7)^
• Example from Lily* : “l migrated to the digital realm.” & “realized the importance of unplugging
and setting boundaries to prevent burnout” &
• Other Example : “Missed information compulsion, mechanical refreshing."
 *Pseudonym is used in this presentation to

Action/Strategies protect the interviewee’s privacy

^ Frequency that mentioned in the interview
• Behavioral Changes: Withdrawal (12)^, Expected Time and Frequency(12)^ Compulsive Behavior/Salience
(7)^

• Adaptations in Social Dynamics : Avoidance Behaviors: Excusing In-Person Interactions(20)^, Balancing

Online and Offline Interactions (8)^, Awareness of Problems(7)^

• According to the interview: High Frequency (mentioned by All interviewee)

• Example of Avoidance Behaviors :

• David* : "If I felt overwhelmed or needed to recharge, I would occasionally use the excuse of work
commitments or virtual events as a way to limit in-person interactions temporarily.”
• Lily “staying connected in some way."

• Example of Balancing Online and Offline Interactions :

• David* : “l migrated to the digital realm.” & “& I also recognized the need to balance it with offline activities….,
and maintain a healthy work-life balance.”
• Mark* : Maintaining balance was crucial to prevent burnout. I established a dedicated workspace at home,
which helped create a mental boundary between work and leisure."

• Example of Awareness of Problems(7)^ :

• “The pandemic reshaped how I utilized the Internet”,
• “My motivation came from realizing that prolonged screen time was affecting my overall well-being.”
• “The …. spending an entire day in front of screens”
 *Pseudonym is used in this presentation to

Consequences protect the interviewee’s privacy

^ Frequency that mentioned in the interview
Reflection on Technology and Relationship

Value of Real-Life Connection (12)^ & Pursuing Personal Space (8)^

• According to the interview: Mild-High Frequency (mentioned by some interviewee)

• Example of Value of Real-Life Connection :

• David* : "particularly during periods of strict lockdown. The absence of in-person interactions and the physical
presence of friends and family created a sense of disconnect. Virtual interactions helped, but they couldn't
fully replace face-to-face connections
• Lily* : The 'new normal' is a mixed bag. While it offers convenience and the ability to connect with people
across distances, it can't fully replace the joy of physical gatherings and shared experiences.” & “I learned that
real-life connections are irreplaceable, and I've been actively seeking opportunities to engage in-person when
possible”

• Pursuing Personal Space(8)^ :

• Sarah* : "I also realized the importance of unplugging and setting boundaries to prevent burnout. I started
incorporating tech-free breaks into my daily routine”
• Mark* : We had to create clear boundaries, designate workspace separate from our living areas, and set
specific hours for work. This separation …..encroaching on our personal lives
• After work, I engaged in offline creative hobbies, such as painting and reading, which allowed me to unwind
and switch off from the digital world."
Intervening *Pseudonym is used in this presentation to
protect the interviewee’s privacy

Conditions
Challenges in Managing Internet Use
^ Frequency that mentioned in the interview

Inability manage internet exposure(15)^ & Device Dependency(12)^

 if these factors intensified or played a more active role during the pandemic, they could be seen as
intervening conditions. For instance, the stress and changes brought about by the pandemic might have
exacerbated device dependency or made it more challenging for individuals to manage their internet exposure
effectively.

Contextual
Conditions
Work and Education-related Concerns

Job / income/ Education related concern (12)^

 These factors are seen as pre-existing conditions that shape an individual's behaviour and experiences
before the consequences of the pandemic, they could be viewed as contextual conditions. For example, if
someone had a pre-existing tendency to be highly dependent on their devices or struggled with managing
internet exposure, these factors might have been present before the pandemic.
 Process Development flowchart
Intervening 1. Inability manage internet
exposures
Condition 2. Device Dependency

Causal Action & Consequen

Phenomenon
Conditions Social related / non-related
strategies ces
Reflection on Technology and
1. Behaviour Changes relationships
1. COVID – Lockdown well-being issues
2. Shifting in Internet usage
2. Adaptations In Social
preference/pattern
Dynamics

Contextual
Condition
Work & Education Concerns
Thank you