New Zealanders have become far more anti-social since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, new research from Uber Pool has revealed.
The research showed 49 percent of Kiwis are socialising significantly less and are going to great lengths to avoid seeing each other.
Around 60 percent of people admitted to walking down another aisle of the shops just to dodge bumping into someone they know, and a whopping 56 percent said they crossed the road or headed in another direction to steer clear of a friend or acquaintance.
"We have missed many opportunities to meet new people over the past year. It's no surprise since reopening that many of us are feeling uneasy about being around others again," psychologist Dr Emmanuella Murray said.
As restrictions have eased and summer approaches, Uber Pool is encouraging people to interact with one another and share a ride with a stranger.
"It can be challenging to strike up a conversation with a stranger, however having a yarn in an Uber Pool is a great way to do it without the awkwardness - you've got immediate conversation starters and the chat naturally ends when the ride does," Uber ANZ's head of rider operations Margarita Peker said.
The research also revealed people find it hard to socialise for a variety of reasons.
Nearly 40 percent reported feeling awkward in social settings, 25 percent said it's too much effort and 43 percent admitted they don't enjoy socialising as much post-lockdown.
Socialising tips
Dr Murray has offered several tips to help people engage with others more:
- Take social risks: Putting yourself in situations you often avoid, like striking up a conversation with a stranger, can help you learn a lot of what you worry about doesn't happen and you may find you enjoyed the conversation more than you expected.
- Pace yourself: It may be as simple as a smile or hello with your local barista to begin with and then building on this conversation over time.
- Stay focused: Be aware of any subtle behaviours you may use to avoid socialising, like being on your phone and keeping headphones in. Stay present in the moment and pay attention to what's happening around you rather than what's going on inside your head.
- Grab a mood boost: The more socially withdrawn we are, the more down we feel. Research suggests people who feel more connected to others experience lower rates of depression and anxiety. So, get chatting, because the more meaningful conversations we have, the better we feel.
Dr Murray said she understands some people find it more difficult than others to socialise but noted the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone.
"Whatever your needs, staying connected is important for our wellbeing and for most people, the trick to getting socially unstuck is to start socialising again."
