The Use of New Media for Overcoming Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Overseas Filipino Workers in Singapore

Abstract

This study explored how Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Singapore engaged with new media during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet their diverse needs. By employing the Uses and Gratifications Theory, this study examined their media consumption patterns and the interaction between social factors, needs, and media use. The descriptive research found that OFWs primarily accessed new media for communication. Other motivations were information, opportunities, and seeking escape.

The most utilized new media types were websites, social media, shopping platforms, conferencing tools, and messaging applications. Statistically significant increases were observed in access to online news, learning platforms, and streaming services, with notable surges in telemedicine, video conferencing, and online shopping during the pandemic. Elevated stress among OFWs was linked to job uncertainty, homesickness, worry about family, boredom, and work overload, with the situation of their families in the Philippines being the most pressing concern.

A higher frequency of new media access was positively associated with the overall effects of new media. It provided OFWs with significant gratifications such as information, education, opportunities, relationships, and relaxation, contributing to high satisfaction with new media and better coping during the pandemic.