How the pandemic made us more social, but less sociable

After the lockdowns of the last few years, we have gotten so used to staying home, isolated from others, staring at our screens, shopping online and awaiting deliveries. Even the most outgoing amongst us have changed our habits to become more homely and comfortable sitting on the sofa instead of the MRT. Without sounding judgemental or medically uninformed, is this an excuse now for being lazy or anti-social? While there are many amongst us who jumped at the chance to catch up with old friends (and enemies) once things opened, others got used to the new norm and remained socially distanced – perhaps due to anxiety or a lack of practice having in-person conversations?

The last 2 years, however, has seen Digital go mainstream; from companies transforming their processes to more paperless and less human-reliant, to the mobile-centric revolution taking root, allowing us to do almost everything on our phones, no matter where we are. As we know, the term “hybrid work” is also now on everyone’s lips as the workforce is demanding they be allowed to work from anywhere they choose, which is mostly at home.

When it comes to the digitalisation of human interactions (ie. Social Media), studies have shown how these platforms benefitted from the situation and achieved tremendous growth as people connected online, shared experiences and looked for entertainment. These were literally the lifesavers needed as we stayed isolated, unexpectedly physically disconnected and cut off from the rest of humankind. With a renewed focus on mental health, I would dare say that it could have been much worse if not for Facebook, Instagram and others.

But what was meant to be a temporary situation has apparently changed the fabric of society. Just as we have transferred most of our transactions online, so it seems like we’ve also done the same with our social interactions, mostly for the worse. People are no longer comfortable meeting in person and need time to adjust back to talking to others directly, instead of via a computer screen or text messages.

Catching up with our friends, Joe and Dawn, over prata and a cups of tea!

For the introverted, the pandemic has arguably been a blessing – providing an undeniable excuse to avoid excessive human contact. Even some extroverts have taken the opportunity to convert into a more homely and quiet lifestyle requiring less energy, expense and organising – which I can understand. As such, friends and families have drifted apart and grown distant – something I think even pictures and comments on social media cannot prevent.