Not a ‘new normal:’ Students say apps won’t replace face-to-face interaction

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.”
 

With technology like cellphones and computers, staying in touch with others is now easier than ever. Many students are still able to be connected with their professors and friends thanks to programs like FaceTime, Zoom, Discord and Skype.
 

 “It’s definitely hard to not actually be with someone, but technology at least holds us all over until we can meet up again,” UConn senior Kyle Jackson said. “I watch movies with my girlfriend with a new app called Netflix party. I play poker with my poker group each week online and play Minecraft with a group of good friends almost every night. Sometimes we’ll have a couple drinks, as if we were all actually socializing.”
 

Others are finding that their relationships have to be put on hold.
 

 “When I moved back home, I joined some dating apps, and then once this all happened, I got super overwhelmed and deleted it,” said Shira Tall, who graduated from UConn in December 2019.
 

 “I haven’t re-downloaded any since deleting them, but it’s also hard because I see no point since I can’t meet up with anyone. I had [also] only been at work for about two months when the shelter in place was declared, so I didn’t really feel like I formed any connections with anyone.”
 

Students say they are prepared to be quarantined for the time being, but technology can’t replace face-to-face interaction.
 

 “I don’t think anything will ever be as fulfilling as in-person [communication], but I think you can still prevent social isolation and burnout by video chatting and texting,” Tall said. “I really think that you almost have to try some method of communication or you’ll go mad.”