The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the communication habits of the individuals: The example of Elazig

Throughout history, pandemics have affected societies in many ways in a short time. Pandemics are rapidly shaping the life practices of society according to the pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic emerged in late 2019. This pandemic has been the first pandemic the modern world has faced in terms of its characteristics. The pandemic process has restricted social areas through isolation and quarantine rules. This has affected societies globally. The pandemic has changed the normal course of life in an instant. With the effects of the pandemic, face-to-face communication areas have been limited. Therefore, digital communication has become widespread. Digital communication embodies more than the features of traditional communication. Digital a hybrid media space has emerged in communication. The bans and restrictions caused by the pandemic process have further increased the importance of communication tools. This process has imposed new tasks on communication tools. This study holistically examines how the first pandemic of the last century, Covid-19, affects the communication habits of individuals. Studies in the literature on the pandemic process deal with different dimensions of this process. However, this study examines the daily life behaviors and communication habits of individuals during the pandemic process holistically. Therefore, this research shows the media usage habits of individuals with Covid-19, which affects the whole world. In addition, it gives the changes in social relations and communication usage patterns in the context of social relations. According to AFAD data, there was a 6.8 magnitude earthquake on January 24, 2020, in the province of Elazig, where the study was conducted. For this reason, the province of Elazig was largely worn out. After the earthquake, the Covid-19 virus intensified its effect in Elazig in March. In the province of Elazig, which was chosen as the sample in the study, people encountered the Covid-19 virus while the effects of the earthquake continued. In this context, the field research method was used as the basis for the study. The face-to-face survey technique was applied to 1100 people in the sample of Elazig province. According to the findings of the research, The pandemic has further digitized communication habits. Face-to-face communication remained more limited in this process. In addition, the Covid-19 process has changed the purpose of people's use of communication tools and increased their use. Concern has arisen for the continuation of face-to-face communication practices in society. Digital communication and social media tools are preferred for these communication practices. In addition, the pandemic process has increased the level of social anxiety. It has shaped education, the economy, communication practices, and social life according to the new norms. Within the scope of the pandemic period, the consumption and shopping habits of society have also changed. In this context, the study will make important contributions to different disciplines such as communication, economics, sociology, and psychology. Again, the media usage data revealed in the study may shed light on similar processes for media service providers. Pandemic, Covid-19, Communication Habits, Social Change.