Effects of Frequent Internet Use on Aspects of COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic changed many people’s way of life. In the early stages, there was a lot of skepticism surrounding the pandemic and how much the media should be trusted. In 2020, the American Trends Panel created by Pew Research Center collected survey data on Americans' skepticism of news media. Research conducted on the data showed frequency of internet use had an effect on attitudes related directly to COVID-19, like wearing a mask in public, employment status post-pandemic, thinking symptoms are COVID without being diagnosed, and what life would look like post-pandemic. The results will shed light on how influential frequent internet usage is on American people’s opinions.