The association of neighborhood social media use on social cohesion and sense of community in Nevada adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

Social cohesion and sense of community are neighborhood social factors that play critical roles in psychological health and overall well-being. Despite significant growth of neighborhood social media (SM) use, evidence examining its effects on neighborhood social factors remains sparse, particularly during community-level emergencies. The aim of this study was to examine whether neighborhood SM use was associated with social cohesion and sense of community among a sample of Nevada adults in December 2020, during the COVID 19 pandemic. Cross-sectional phone surveys of Nevada adults aged ≥ 18 years old were collected ( n = 1000). Neighborhood-specific SM use was measured using a yes/no question. Composite scores were created for social cohesion (4 items) and sense of community (8 items). Sociodemographic characteristics and perceived safety was also measured. Multivariable linear regression models estimated associations between neighborhood SM use, social cohesion, and sense of community. SM use was reported by 38% of respondents. Adjusted linear regression models revealed SM users reported a greater sense of community (B = 1.36, β = 0.142, p < 0.001) and higher social cohesion (B = 0.63, β = 0.130, p < 0.001) compared to non-users. Perceived neighborhood safety was the strongest predictor of both outcomes (sense of community: B = 2.76, β = 0.403, p < 0.001; social cohesion: B = 1.40, β = 0.402, p < 0.001). There was a step-wise increase in associations between sense of community and social cohesion as income increased. Digital neighborhood SM platforms may help local engagement and social connectedness, and may help preserve a sense of community and social cohesion during emergencies, but efforts must also address the socioeconomic and safety-related inequities that limit feelings of community connectedness.