Affinity for technology and group cohesion link to mental health during social isolation in Italy and Japan

•Dimensions of group cohesion had varied effects on mental health.•Individual attraction to the group for task purposes related to better mental health.•Individual attraction to the group for social purposes related to worse mental health.•Affinity for technology related to group cohesion when isolated (Italy, june 2020).•Technology affinity more strongly affected new than existing groups when isolated.