Positive Approaches Journal, Volume 9, Issue 4

Volume 9 ► Issue 4 ► 2021

Data Discoveries

The goal of Data Discoveries is to present useful data using new methods and platforms that can be customized.

The Impact of Internet Access and Social Connectedness Online on Mental Health

Social connectedness, poverty, and internet access are all factors that can affect a person’s mental health. High levels of social connectivity have been shown to have a positive impact on a person’s mental health. In contrast, findings also show that high levels of poverty are closely related to poor and deteriorated mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new barriers to social connectedness, which may be exacerbated by limited access to internet. Not having the ability to connect with friends, classmates, or loved ones due to a lack of access may be further negatively impacting an individual’s mental health during these times.

In this issue of Data Discoveries, we explored social connectedness on the internet through Facebook’s Data for Good: Social Connectedness Index (https://dataforgood.fb.com/tools/social-connectedness-index/). The Facebook Social Connectedness Index dataset shows how strong the online connections are between two counties on a national scale. The map in the data dashboard on the tab labeled “Facebook Social Connectedness Index Map” shows the Social Connectedness Index of all Pennsylvania counties to the rest of the United States. To use the data dashboard, select a Pennsylvania county from the filter in the upper left-hand corner to see the Social Connectedness between the chosen county and the rest of the nation. To see a comparison of the two selected counties regarding poverty, minority population, and internet access, view the tables above the map.

Learn more about participating in your community by visiting the ASERT Collaborative or Philadelphia Autism Project calendars of events. The ADA National Network also has a Planning Guide for Making Temporary Events Accessible to People with Disabilities.