But if the convenience of digital communication displaces regular (often higher-quality) interactions, it could exacerbate isolation and loneliness. The internet might improve life for those who can't physically interact due to remoteness or physical incapacity. Research shows online interaction can increase loneliness when it fails to support (often more meaningful) existing relationships, and instead "displaces" them with less meaningful or shallow digital interactions. This is concerning because it points to the seductive power of digital communication as a "substitute" for physical interaction. One middle-aged female said real-life interactions now felt "tiring". Connection In A Post-covid World Still, many fell back on the ease of digital communication compared to "difficult" face-to-face encounters even after lockdown lifted. Many people simply missed the "physicality" of face-to-face interactions the "atmosphere" of public spaces, the chance to "dress up", and physical intimacy and contact. Having to "go digital" made pre-existing anxieties worse for some, while others felt left behind: It has been an isolating experience because I keep hearing how others are always staying connected via these methods. I hate Skype, in part because I hate seeing myself on screen and hate other people seeing me. Some lacked digital literacy, and described a difficult transition to videoconferencing: I hate chatting 'cause I'm a slow typer. As one female respondent said: Online alternatives help a lot, but it's not the same and not enough. Zoom couldn't fill the gap However, despite some positive experiences, our work found digital contact was overall not a sufficient substitute for lost physical contact and social needs. This is in keeping with research finding positive impacts of videoconferencing on loneliness for frail older people. As one person said: I am an equal on Zoom. Some people with physical disabilities celebrated digital interaction. This reflects research findings that online interaction that supports existing connections and stimulates new ones can help reduce loneliness. This has facilitated my ease at moving to online. One older female respondent noted she: for decades had many online relationships all over the world. Those who already had extensive or active online networks described an easier transition to lockdown. Some people made the most of what they had Covid exposed gaps in our digital preparedness. Such lost habits may take substantial time to be regained. One middle-aged male said: Feels like life and society have permanently changed even after most of the pandemic has ended You can make plans and act towards them, but they can (and usually do) come undone in moments. Many people felt they and others had lost the habits of social interaction during Covid, making it difficult or impossible. These people, many of them men, became lonelier when they realised much of their existing friendships weren't as close as they'd thought. ![]() It was also difficult for those who found themselves being "pruned". ![]() It may also propagate intolerance towards those more distant types of people that we cull, as shown in studies of Covid-induced loneliness in rural NSW communities. The problem with this is it takes time to rebuild extensive networks, which likely contributes to more protracted "social" loneliness. One respondent noted: I spend more time with close friends.
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