# #StayHome #WithMe: How Do YouTubers Help with COVID-19 Loneliness?

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2101.03706 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2101.03706/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 11 Jan 2021.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Harnessing LLMs for Automated Video Content Analysis: An Exploratory Workflow of Short Videos on Depression](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2406.19528/) (2024)
- [Taking a Language Detour: How International Migrants Speaking a Minority Language Seek COVID-Related Information in Their Host Countries](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2209.02903/) (2022)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Loneliness threatens public mental wellbeing during COVID-19. In response, YouTube creators participated in the #StayHome #WithMe movement (SHWM) and made myriad videos for people experiencing loneliness or boredom at home. User-shared videos generate parasocial attachment and virtual connectedness. However, there is limited knowledge of how creators contributed videos during disasters to provide social provisions as disaster-relief. Grounded on Weiss's loneliness theory, this work analyzed 1488 SHWM videos to examine video sharing as a pathway to social provisions. Findings suggested that skill and knowledge sharing, entertaining arts, homelife activities, live chatting, and gameplay were the most popular video styles. YouTubers utilized parasocial relationships to form a space for staying away from the disaster. SHWM YouTubers provided friend-like, mentor-like, and family-like provisions through videos in different styles. Family-like provisions led to the highest overall viewer engagement. Based on the findings, design implications for supporting viewers' mental wellbeing in disasters are discussed.