Our Social Groups Almost 50% Smaller Post Pandemic

We thrive best as a tribe but post pandemic our social groups are almost 50% smaller.

“Help and social connections make us feel better. Research suggests that one of the most vital indicators of positive mental health is our ability to picture a social safety network on which we can rely—whether we use it or not.”

“Psychologists argue that our evolution is why social rejection and isolation are painful to us today; in fact, brain circuits where emotional pain is processed are built on circuits where physical pain is processed.”

New social norms, technology and a work from home culture have further separated us. It is good to know that many game based communities have grown during this time, providing new connection points and reducing isolation. A virtual village is still a village that can fill our need to belong and connect through helping one and other.

Bottom line – helping and being helped creates an amazing feeling of support and safety – building resilience and greatly increasing wellbeing.

Sources:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/asking-for-help-favors-loneliness-epidemic

https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/23940673/balance-responsiveness-relationships-friends-family-support-mental-health