The impact of COVID-19 on the information competences of users of business sharing groups

Abstract

Purpose/Thesis: The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic ‘forced’ the strengthening of the importance of digital space in the daily functioning of individuals. The aim of this article is to try to answer the question of whether COVID-19 contributed in any way to changes in the Information Literacy of a specific type of information user, i.e. members of internet groups in the area of ​​business sharing. Approach/Methods: The above research problem was solved mainly by a questionnaire and a critical analysis of the scientific literature. Results and conclusions: 104 people from 8 groups representing both the Małopolska region as well as the Tri-City, Silesia and Mazovia took part in the pilot study. The questionnaire covered such issues as identifying information needs and obtaining information, evaluating and using information, defining and subjective assessing information competences. As the analysis shows, in the opinion of group users, COVID-19 did not have a significant impact on their information skills, and they themselves assess the level of their competences sufficiently or highly. Originality/Value: The article supplements the existing literature with new research and may be an inspiration for a discussion on a wider group of social media users.