Social media as a supporting mechanism during COVID-19 in Indonesia: A quantitative study on isolation among elders

Abstract

Background

COVID-19 pandemic has posed mental health challenges for people from all walks of life, including the elders in Indonesia. Due to the wide-ranging effects of this pandemic due to various phases of smart, partial, or full lockdown, people worldwide have faced serious problems particularly with their mental health.

Methods

This quantitative study analyses the experiences of the general public particularly focused on elders, those who are in isolation due to the COVID-19 protocols and limited social or physical interaction within the society. For investigating the social support mechanism among respondents, we have gathered a sample of respondents who are elders and using social media. The data reflect the opinion of respondents on elders during this pandemic. A survey was designed to gather data from elders facing mental health issues and using social media platforms to seek information in Indonesia. An online social support scale, self-awareness and insight scale were deployed to measure responses to the issue at hand.

Results

The data show that the elders had varied conceptualisations about COVID-19 relating to the pandemic, i.e., eating habits, fear of death, strengthening religiosity in eating practices, fear of interacting with people, and interaction patterns. Elders were restricted to their places and had limited physical social interactions, thus social media platforms have played a significant role in developing online interaction among elders, to speak and discuss their matters for coping with the issues of isolation and mental health.

Conclusion

The online media platform is considered a great support for elders to stay connected with families, friends, as well as with other communities. The study concludes that despite declaring the non-emergency status of COVID-19, elders have still suffered with long-term repercussions of this pandemic affecting their mental health.