Asia Pacific Journal of Information Systems (APJIS)

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Current Issue

Date	March 2026
Vol. No.	Vol. 36 No. 1
DOI	https://doi.org/10.14329/apjis.2026.36.1.135
Page	135~154
Title	No Man is an Island: Social Contribution during Social Distancing
Author	Ningning Cheng, Yifeng Liu
Keyword	COVID-19, Social Distancing, Prosocial Behavior, Knowledge Contribution, Knowledge Community
Abstract	This research explores the impact of COVID-19 mandatory social distancing policies on online knowledge-sharing behavior. As a key social distancing measure, these policies restrict face-to-face interaction, potentially encouraging individuals to seek virtual alternatives for social connection. While some may compensate for reduced in-person contact by engaging more in online communities, the psychological burden of isolation could also suppress prosocial behaviors like contributing knowledge. To examine this dynamic, we utilize a staggered difference- in-differences (DID) approach to assess user activity on a major Questions and Answers (Q&A) platform. Our analysis reveals that statewide mandatory social distancing policies led to a notable increase in quality-adjusted knowledge contributions. These insights shed light on how policy responses to crises shape prosocial behavior in digital spaces and contribute to research on crisis adaptation and online knowledge exchange.