COVID-19 information overload and generation Z?s social media discontinuance intention during the pandemic lockdown

While previous research highlights the benefits of social media in times of a pandemic, this research focuses on the potential dark side of social media use among Generation Z (Gen Z) in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown between March and May 2020. The study reveals that COVID-19 information overload through social media had a negative impact on Gen Z social media users? psychological well-being. Moreover, perceived information overload heightened both social media fatigue and fear of COVID-19, which, in turn, increased users? social media discontinuance intention. In addition, considering that social media is the predominant method of maintaining connectivity with others for Gen Z users during the lockdown, the fear of missing out (FoMO) buffered the impact of social media fatigue and fear of COVID-19 on Gen Z users? social media discontinuance intention. Our research adds a hitherto underexplored perspective to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people?s mental health. We offer a series of practical suggestions for social media users, social media platform providers, and health officials, institutions, and organizations in the effective and sustainable use of social media during the global COVID-19 pandemic and in the post-pandemic time.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the negative impact of COVID-19 information overload on the psychological well-being of Generation Z social media users in the UK, increasing social media fatigue and fear of COVID-19, and consequently leading to social media discontinuance intention. However, the fear of missing out (FoMO) helps buffer the effects of social media fatigue and fear of COVID-19 on users' intention to discontinue social media use. Our research provides valuable insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people's mental health and offers practical suggestions for effective and sustainable use of social media during and after the pandemic.