From Social Distancing to Social Disdain: How COVID-19 Has Changed the Way We Interact

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the way we interact with each other. From the early days of social distancing and mask mandates to the current state of vaccine mandates and booster shots, the pandemic has created a new social landscape that is characterized by fear, suspicion, and disdain. In this article, we will explore how COVID-19 has changed the way we interact with each other and how some prominent thinkers and theories have contributed to our understanding of these changes.

One of the most noticeable changes in social interaction during the pandemic is the increased emphasis on physical distancing. Social distancing has become the norm in many parts of the world, with people being advised to maintain a distance of at least six feet from each other to prevent the spread of the virus. However, this physical distancing has also led to a social distancing, a sense of isolation and detachment that has affected many people’s mental health. The sense of social distancing has also been exacerbated by the shift towards remote work, virtual meetings, and online communication. Although these changes have allowed people to stay connected, they have also made it easier for people to hide behind a screen and to disconnect from real-world interactions.

Some theories have emerged to explain this new social landscape, with one of the most prominent being the concept of “risk society” put forward by the sociologist Ulrich Beck. According to Beck, the modern world is characterized by a pervasive sense of risk, with individuals and societies increasingly concerned about the dangers posed by environmental disasters, economic crises, and health pandemics. The risk society has led to a new social order in which people are more focused on avoiding risk than on pursuing social and political goals. This has resulted in a new form of social interaction that is defined by a sense of detachment and mistrust, with people more concerned about protecting themselves than engaging with others.

Another theory that sheds light on the changes in social interaction during the pandemic is the concept of “liquid modernity” proposed by the philosopher Zygmunt Bauman. Bauman argues that modern society is characterized by a sense of fluidity and uncertainty, with traditional social structures and values being replaced by more transient and temporary forms of social organization. In this context, social interaction becomes more superficial and temporary, with individuals being more focused on their own needs and desires than on the needs and desires of others. This has led to a situation where social interaction is more transactional than relational, with people engaging with each other in a more instrumental way.

Aside, the internet has created new forms of social interaction that are often characterized by anonymity, aggression, and hostility. The sense of detachment and mistrust that has emerged during the pandemic has made it easier for people to engage in online harassment and bullying, with the anonymity of the internet providing a shield for people to behave in ways they would not in real life. The rise of social media has also contributed to the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories, which have further eroded trust in public institutions and contributed to the sense of detachment and suspicion.

The shift towards a more transactional and superficial form of social interaction during the pandemic has also been reflected in the way we consume and produce media. The rise of streaming services and on-demand entertainment has made it easier for people to consume media in a more personalized and individualistic way, with people being less likely to engage in shared cultural experiences. At the same time, the rise of user-generated content has led to a proliferation of self-expression and self-promotion, with people being more focused on building their own personal brands than on engaging with others in a meaningful way.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way we interact with each other. From social distancing to vaccine mandates, the pandemic has led to a new social landscape characterized by fear, suspicion, and disdain. The theories of Ulrich Beck and Zygmunt Bauman have helped shed light on these changes, pointing to the pervasive sense of risk in modern society and the shift towards a more transactional and superficial form of social interaction. Additionally, the rise of social media and on-demand entertainment has contributed to the sense of detachment and mistrust that has emerged during the pandemic. While the long-term implications of these changes are yet to be seen, it is clear that the pandemic has left an indelible mark on our social fabric. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize the impact of these changes and work towards building a more connected, inclusive, and empathetic society.