Students say social apps can’t replace being all together
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly every relationship is now considered a “long-distance” one.
With the statewide social distancing and quarantine orders in place, gatherings of more than five people are forbidden, and restaurants are open for takeout or delivery only. Socializing is taking place almost entirely online for the time being, forcing everyone to figure out ways to stay in touch with friends and family.
Some might think that for teenagers and young adults, this form of communication is no different than what they are already used to. But many say they are struggling just as much as everyone else.
“It’s been hard for me being away from my friends because although I like my alone time, I like it on my own terms rather than being forced into it,” said University of Connecticut senior Ally Urban. “However, I know this is for the public good, so it’s necessary.”
While some are optimistic that the worst of the pandemic will be over by the fall, others say it could last for at least another year.
“I’m not sure things will ever return to the way they were before the pandemic struck,” said UConn journalism professor Scott Wallace. “There is considerable concern about a resurgence of transmission if we let our guard down. It could be another full year or even two, once we have widespread testing and a readily available vaccine, before things settle down.”
According to UConn sociology professor Phoebe Godfrey, “normal” might also be a thing of the past.
“Normal will probably be different, as we will all have some residual trauma and fears,” she said.
With more than 1 million coronavirus cases confirmed in the United States alone, colleges and schools all over the country have shut down and moved their classes online, canceling graduations and sporting events.
“Ten years ago we would have had to cancel school altogether,” Godfrey said. “That might have been nice in a way and more stressful in another.”
“... Technology at least holds us all over until we can meet up again.”