An article published in the latest issue of the journal PLOS Digital Health examines how technology was used around the world at the height of the pandemic from July to September 2020.
An international team, led by University of Sydney PhD candidate Huong Ly Tong, surveyed more than 500 people from 32 countries and found 83 per cent used apps to stay active.
"The study found people who used mobile apps were more likely to be more active," Ms Ly said.
"This demonstrates that technology can play an important role in helping to promote healthy behaviours, even during the unique circumstances of the pandemic."
Around a third of people surveyed in the study, mostly Australians, said apps also came in handy to manage their mental health.
But the authors also found apps and social media functioned as a "double-edged sword".
"On one hand, these apps helped people maintain a sense of normalcy, to stay active and connected," said University of Sydney senior researcher Dr Liliana Laranjo.
"But at times, they also had a negative emotional impact when people felt exposed to too much information about COVID-19 online or when they felt they weren't meeting their fitness goals on trackers."
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