Can ICT Address Social Isolation and Loneliness? An Approach Focused on Women During Pregnancy, the Perinatal Period, and Child-rearing

Abstract

Social isolation and loneliness among women during pregnancy and child-rearing have become more apparent because of the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and other social factors. Social isolation and loneliness among women during the perinatal and child-rearing periods pose a risk of serious problems such as suicide and child abuse. In this scenario, information and communication technology (ICT) is attracting attention as a method of resolving social isolation and loneliness. ICT enables people located far apart to communicate. In recent years, technologies based on artificial intelligence and virtual reality have been increasingly utilized to support people. This study examined a wide range of psychological approaches to address social isolation and loneliness by using ICT. It also explored the potential of using ICT to support women during the perinatal and child-rearing periods. Moreover, this study investigated the possible dangers of ICT in promoting social isolation and loneliness.