are we all a bit socially awkward now?

How many of us have experienced a recent uptick in awkward social interactions?

According to the New York Times, it turns out we’re all a bit socially awkward now.

“Research on prisoners, hermits, soldiers, astronauts, polar explorers and others who have spent extended periods in isolation indicates social skills are like muscles that atrophy from lack of use. People separated from society — by circumstance or by choice — report feeling more socially anxious, impulsive, awkward and intolerant when they return to normal life.”

And guess what? Psychologists and neuroscientists report that, thanks to the Pandemic, something similar is happening to us all.