Post-Pandemic Disruptions in the Communication Process: A Comparative Analysis of Polish and Vietnamese Students

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global communication, forcing people to adapt to new forms of interaction. The study aimed to understand how the pandemic affected interpersonal and mass communication among young adults in Poland and Vietnam. Design/Methodology/Approach: Online surveys were conducted with 384 students from Poland and 91 students from Vietnam. Findings: The results indicate that the pandemic increased the level of tension and stress during direct communication, especially in Poland. Vietnamese students more frequently observed positive changes in information transmission during the pandemic. The conclusions suggest that cultural differences significantly influence communication preferences and adaptation to new conditions, and the pandemic highlighted the need for flexibility and innovation in communication. Practical Implications: The findings of this study have practical implications for educational institutions and policymakers in both Poland and Vietnam. By highlighting the distinct communication preferences and challenges faced by students in each country, this research provides actionable insights for designing communication strategies and support systems tailored to young adults in a post-pandemic context. Institutions may consider implementing training sessions focused on enhancing digital communication skills and active listening techniques, which could help reduce the communication barriers that emerged during the pandemic. Additionally, understanding the socio-cultural nuances in communication can assist educators and mental health professionals in creating more inclusive, effective support structures for students dealing with post-pandemic stress and social reintegration challenges. Originality/Value: This study is original in its comparative analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communication processes among young adults from two distinct cultural backgrounds—Poland and Vietnam. While previous studies have examined pandemic-related communication challenges, this research uniquely explores how cultural differences shape communication preferences, adaptation strategies, and the socio-emotional impacts of the pandemic. The study contributes valuable insights to the fields of cross-cultural communication and education, particularly by offering a nuanced understanding of how young adults adapt their communication styles in response to global crises. The findings emphasize the importance of cultural context in shaping effective communication and highlight potential areas for future research into intercultural differences in response to social disruptions.