PEOPLE WHO GO OUT WITH NO MASK MAKE ME SICK
Where COVID 19 has Left Us
An article on how COVID changed the way we communicate
The inability to go out has caused us to not be able to see each other as often, leading us to an increased sense of isolation. This block was a challenge for most people since we were unexpectedly holed up in our homes for a longer time than we originally thought, assuming that COVID 19 would blow over in a couple of months. This meant we had to find ways to cope with not socializing with friends or family living outside of your home. I have experienced this feeling of isolation because, in contrast to my previous routine of encountering and socializing with friends at school, I have not been able to see my friends as often now due to COVID 19. This lack of socialization made it difficult for everyone. We couldn’t enjoy time outside with others and enjoy our summers to the fullest because it was a risk being outside the comforts of your own home. Besides, when we do get to socialize with friends, we have to stay six-feet apart and wear a face covering.
This could lead to unwanted miscommunication with one another.
The reason for that is mask makes it hard to understand facial expressions and muffled voices. They make hearing aids uncomfortable and they increase difficulties for individuals who have problems speaking. To make the best of our situation, we had to adapt and utilize a variety of methods and approaches to communicate.
We needed to adjust to these changes, like physical distancing and wearing masks, by making sure each individual can speak clearly, use hand gestures, and be attentive in a conversation. You can also make sure nothing is obstructing your view, and that the person you’re talking to understands. Another way we adapted is to use and navigate multiple messaging platforms as the number of users has increased since we had to find different ways to connect and communicate with our loved ones. Not only that, but we also want to see each other face to face through video chat services like Google Duo, House Party, and Nextdoor. These aren’t the only changes COVID has made us adapt to.
Sports such as racing, for example, have changed by being transferred over virtually through gaming. Work has also seen changes as companies are having their meetings on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Hangouts. While these sound like great solutions, they have a pitfall.
Our time, seeming more flexible because meetings or gatherings online are easily accessible through social conferencing platforms creates social pressures. To attend every meeting possible because you might be seen as aloof for not attending one meeting coupled with more household responsibilities leads to less time for personal needs and family. I believe that as humans, we work best when we communicate face to face, with no limitations from outside sources. I don’t think there is a tool that can relieve the bad communication habits created by online communication and or social distancing, but the only way is to deal with it and adapt to it like we already have been through new facets.
COVID can teach us to not take for granted the value of person to person communication in our daily lives. While some people love that they get to “goto” work in their pajamas, I certainly miss going to places and interacting with people face to face.
