COVID-19: Internet usage surge in the U.S.
It is no surprise that Americans are using the internet and smartphones exceptionally high during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a Pew Research Center study, it shows that half of U.S. adults (53%) say that the internet has been essential during the pandemic. This was conducted on a normative theory, which doesn’t attempt to describe how things are, but how they should be. Well, in my opinion, we might be entering into a paradigm shift where this may be the new norm, whether you agree or not. When it comes to wearing masks or turning to technology to buy groceries, this may be the way to live until the pandemic and cases decrease drastically. This new realm is how society is and what Americans are doing as they live their lives since COVID-19 made waves to Americans in early 2020.
The common use method to utilize studies linking COVID-19 and high internet usage by Americans is “openness” research. This is a clear understanding because Americans are adapting to new conditions and new technologies, especially for elderly people due to being high-risk factors. In another Pew Research Center study, it states activities online are on the rise for Americans as they seek to connect and live life in adapting to society. Examples of U.S. adults’ activities include live streaming events, virtual parties, and online fitness classes. As you may experience yourself, ordering food from local restaurants, and ordering groceries online, have become a new pattern for those wanting social distancing. The pandemic has even hit school systems. Most school districts throughout the United States have shut down their schools and have shifted to online classes. This same situation happened to my family here in Texas. My son, Isaac, was supposed to start his first year in a public school setting in Kindergarten. Still, because of the school district shutdowns, we had to adapt to remote learning.
During this time of COVID- 19, the internet has been a vital source for Americans’ connection and living needs. There is a Pew Research Center study research that states Americans have turned towards technology intensely. Without it, it will be problematic. Have you recently experienced disruptions in your home or cellular internet? Would it deeply affect you daily? This study states that roughly nine-in-ten Americans say a major interruption in their internet or cellphone service during the coronavirus outbreak would be a problem for their household daily lives. Due to the pandemic and the restrictions in place for businesses and dine-in restaurants, more Americans are adapting and relying on the internet and technology to connect, shop, and order food with a touch of a button online.
In closing, internet usage for Americans and COVID-19 intertwine with each other. This research is carried out on a normative theory because elected officials in government and health advisers are informing Americans how the internet helps social distancing and should be social standards to help bring down COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
