By Mohammad Akram
KUWAIT: If we agree to prioritize honesty and clarity, it is evident that nobody enjoys being alone. Relationships, with their multifaceted branches, define us as a human race. Given the diverse experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown, it has become necessary to discuss and evaluate changes in our social skills and relationship manners compared to the pre-lockdown era.
Much has changed, and whether these changes are positive or negative remains uncertain due to the varied experiences of individuals. However, a common sentiment is that our relationships and social skills have undergone dramatic shifts post-COVID. Personally, I found relief in discovering that many people shared similar feelings. Through discussions with numerous individuals, I aimed to gather diverse opinions to thoroughly examine this topic from various perspectives.
Many attribute the change in people’s behavior to the extended hours spent on social media and the Internet during and after the lockdown. Unlike pre-COVID times when we were more engaged in reality and physical activities, the excessive time spent online is seen to contribute to increased depression, introversion, and a reduced desire to connect with others. According to Kareem Hussein: "I feel that how people communicate nowadays is very different; we used to prefer face-to-face communication, but now people rely on social media, which is a bit odd and not as it used to be.”
Dhoha Al-Issa echoes this sentiment, stating: "I think social media was the only source to socialize, sadly enough during COVID, and after COVID, this habit stuck with me till this day.” However, it’s important to note that not everyone solely blames social media for these changes. Some suggest that fears during the lockdown, coupled with concerns about vaccine side effects, may have led to depression, anxiety and hostile behavior, making it harder for people to connect and socialize.
Hussein Dashti observes: "From my perspective, friend groups were much bigger before, but now the gatherings are much smaller, and everyone mostly prefers to be alone.” The shift towards smaller social circles may be influenced by health precautions such as social distancing and mask-wearing, which could have affected people subconsciously.
Expatriates highlighted the impact of not being able to see their families during the lockdown, affecting family bonds and socialization patterns. Mohammed Al-Shammari notes: "Children nowadays are more introverted than the previous generations,” attributing it to increased screen time. Similarly, Ahmed Al-Fadly said, "I feel that I am more introverted now compared to how I was, and friendship-making before the lockdown was much easier for me.”
In terms of future perspectives, some are optimistic that the current era of social numbness and online-based communication will pass, and we will return to normalcy soon. Others believe that the shift towards reduced social activity is inevitable and was accelerated by the pandemic. Regardless, the discussions emphasize the need for reflection on our evolving social dynamics.