ABSTRACT
An online survey (N=709) explores correlates of use of new online meetings and changes in use of social media during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.A. The motivation for this study is that the pandemic presented an opportunity to assess the degree of use of online communication technologies when faced with new risks and other options are severely limited. The survey context was set by first probing worries about the virus and the degree of social distancing being practiced. Coping mechanisms reported included connecting more with friends and family on social media, including about 2/3 who had joined an activity that moved online during social distancing. Extent of social distancing and age were significantly related to degree of online engagement in a new meeting activity during the early stages of the pandemic. Age and gender were significantly related to changes in level of use of social media. © AMCIS 2021.