The social dimension of the Internet from the perspective of people with disabilities during the Covid-19 pandemic
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26485/PS/2021/70.3/2Keywords:
disability identity, social media, virtual community, Covid-19 epidemic, social relationsAbstract
For many people, not only those with disabilities, the Internet during the Covid-19 epidemic has become a living space in which they can fulfil their social needs throughout the obligatory social isolation. Previous studies show that social networking sites have great potential to build and strengthen social relations, creating a space that allows people with disabilities to participate in the debate on topics that are important to this social category and to fight for their rights. They also stimulate the formation of a sense of community, which builds a unique bond and solidarity among people with disabilities. In this sense, they constitute an important space that is conducive to shaping their identity. The main goal of the article is to show the relationship between the use of social media and the elements that constitute the identity of people with disabilities and to show the social activities and roles assumed in the Internet space. Three hundred and forty-six people, who followed Facebook’s groups for people with disabilities participated in the online survey.
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