Why Social Wellbeing Is So Important In 2021

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Growing up in an age of rapid technological development, it would seem logical that the young people of today would be excited to commit to a fully digital world. But now more than ever, I feel desperate to root myself in the reality of the outside world.

Without a shadow of doubt, social media and its trance-like escapism has been invaluable during lockdown. In the beginning, it was the perfect solution – virtual quizzes and movie nights to keep up with friends; catch-ups with family; and a way to keep learning. But now? After almost a year of virtual contact, it seems to have altered the way I view the world.

Our generation is certainly the first to have such a persistent dependence on technology. We are indoctrinated with ‘likes’, ‘shares’ and ‘follows’. We manipulate our day-to-day lives to fit snapshots of what other people would like to see. And we frantically watch the numbers climb on the screen, as if they resonate with our own personal value.

I believe the pandemic has been a culture shock for our generation. By removing the choice of in-person contact, it felt so simple to rely on social media interactions to sustain relationships. Yet it also created tension, as it sometimes felt like people weren’t putting in any effort.

That’s not to say that close relationships with others can’t be sustained virtually when necessary. Whether it’s scheduled or impromptu contact, little and often or for hours on end, the pandemic has shown how resilient the bonds between family and friends can be.

Once the pandemic began, it led me to realise that we need genuine human connection, now more than ever. Yes, not every interaction needs to leave you with some profound epiphany about yourself and the people you surround yourself with, but it’s necessary to look outwards and remember the ‘real world’!

When I first went back to sixth form – every Monday in June – I noticed some changes. It was as if we were learning the concept of school completely from scratch. The shift in perspective had left us so grateful to be back with others, at a place that felt familiar enough for us to find comfort in. It was completely new to me; everyone’s mindsets had seemed to have aligned over the lockdown, with a positive, supportive outlook. It was the first time the clique-y nature of our school had broken down, and we were all simply grateful to be able to connect with other people. I’d say we rebuilt the atmosphere of the school, with all of us wanting to cherish the human experience.

In retrospect, we were lucky, even though the impact on our education, among other things, has left permanent damage. But if 2020 allowed us to relearn the parts of ourselves which had been corrupted by the monotony of everyday life, we must use this to our advantage in 2021. Relationships are not, and never will be, names on a screen. That’s why feeling completely alone and unheard has not been uncommon. This year is a time to go back to the basics, prioritising our wellbeing by looking at the real connections we have. After all, we are social animals.