Image by Sumanley xulx from Pixabay

The pandemic has triggered much discussion about the physical health of the nation, as well as its financial health. Less attention has been paid to the virus’ impact on human relationships. On the positive side, we are hearing of families spending more time with each other (what else can they do now?), for example, by sharing meals and even playing games together. I have enjoyed seeing more of my family (my wife and our son), who were previously relegated to evening visitation. On the other hand, those living alone may feel increasingly isolated, as many social outlets have been cut off to them.

One of the many things the last few months have taught (or reminded) us is that we are communal beings—telecommuting and telecommunication are not, in the long run, substitutes for meeting in person. No matter how good the audio and visual connections are, it’s never the same as being next to someone, or even being in the same room. A digital rendering of a human being is just that:  Technology, including social media, can never completely take the place of flesh and blood interactions. 

It remains to be seen what the long-term impact of these (temporary) changes will be. One can hope that people will never again approach relationships quite as casually as before, that personal interactions will be held in higher regard and not taken for granted.