Navigating social isolation: understanding Zoom-based online support groups through Uses and Gratifications theory

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified psychological distress and isolation, increasing reliance on digital platforms for support. Guided by Uses and Gratifications (U&G) theory, this qualitative study investigates how Chinese-speaking individuals engaged with Zoom-based peer support groups to satisfy their emotional, social, and cognitive needs. Interviews and focus groups with 16 participants reveal that Zoom’s affordances—synchronous video, flexible participation, and relative anonymity—enabled gratifications beyond those identified in prior U&G research. Activities such as virtual study rooms fostered structure, motivation, and meaningful relationships. Findings extend U&G theory to video conferencing contexts and offer insights for designing adaptable online communities that sustain engagement beyond crises.