Although unexpected, increased isolation caused by the pandemic has resulted in teenagers becoming more social than they were previously. Being a teenager is often defined by lots of socialization, and it is something that shapes the high school experience. The onset of COVID-19 has stripped away this essential part of life for many students. Because this is also a developmental age, many think that the pandemic may have long-lasting effects on this generation’s socialization skills and needs. But contrary to the expected, this situation has led people to become more social and make more of an active effort to reach out to people.
Ishan Khurana ‘22 says that “I think I have become more extroverted because I am more desperate to talk to people so I end up reaching out to people more.” Because there are now fewer impromptu social interactions to talk to people, it is necessary to actively reach out and try to connect. Instead of losing this skill during the pandemic, many people are gaining it.
Zoë Nutsford ‘22 shares a similar experience with Khurana. She says, “Now I am working on building better relationships with new friends and connecting with people in a more genuine way.” Not only has the pandemic led people to become more extroverted, but it has also allowed teenagers to find and form deeper and more meaningful connections with people. Additionally, people are finding more creative ways to stay connected. Nutsford says that “Now I see my friends a lot less, but basically we will have study sessions on Zoom or Facetime.” Technology has allowed people to maintain and form relationships while keeping the same precautions.
Overall, the pandemic has not impacted teenagers’ ability to socialize, but rather it has improved it by forcing people to go out of their way to find new and creative ways to keep in touch with friends.
