The impact of COVID-19 on online music listening behaviors in light of listeners' social interactions

This study investigated the global changes in online music listening behaviors in response to COVID-19 and its restrictions (such as quarantine, school and workplace closures, and travel restrictions). In addition, the research included an examination of how friendship networks and online communication motives have moderated the effect of COVID-19 on music listening behaviors. The causal inference methods: difference in differences (DiD) and two-way fixed effects (TWFE), were conducted to analyze the online music listening behaviors and social interactions of 37,328 Last.fm users in 45 countries before and after the first wave of confinement. It was found that in response to COVID-19, the quantity, variety, and novelty of music consumption decreased, shifting toward mainstream artists, whereas individuals with more online social connections and communications showed the reverse behavior. Our research shows that online social interactions and community development significantly impact listeners' behaviors and can be used as a guide to developing new design strategies for digital media, such as music, movies, and games.