As the Ontario government’s announcement regarding a second wave of COVID-19 forces the province to enact stricter restrictions on social gatherings, virtual communities provide a sense of belonging many require—even if they’re not in-person.
Gathering online provides people with the ability to connect with a global community that shares a collective interest. In a time where many are struggling with social isolation, virtual communities can be a source of belonging without risking one’s health and safety.
Traditional in-person community-building hubs, like sports leagues or student clubs, are at risk of collapsing before they see a post-COVID world. With new limitations on gatherings down to 25 people outdoors and 10 indoors, building a community online is not just the safer option—it should also be seen as the only option for people looking to socialize with those outside their “bubble” during the pandemic.
Although stigma about socializing in virtual communities may deter people from using virtual outlets to form social connections, online networks can be equally as legitimate as those made in-person when maintained properly.
Accepting the new normal of the world around us may be difficult, but the increase of online connection-building is proof social support can be found in many forms and does not necessarily need to follow traditional expectations of offline bonding.
Human interaction comes in many forms, and whether you are connecting through fantasy sports leagues, online gaming, or even just maintaining group chats with your closest friends, it is essential for your mental health to find community in whichever way suits you and best.
The world can be a lonely place, and it seems it is even more so during a pandemic. By utilizing technology and virtual communities, we can all get through this strange time together, even when ‘being together’ is physically impossible.
Featured graphic from file.
