ABSTRACT
Being socially connected is beneficial to one’s health. When socializing is compromised, such as with infection-avoiding practices of distancing, masking, and quarantining due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a disruption in the balance of prosocial and antisocial hormones. Negative effects include abnormal fear and anxiety leading to enhanced loneliness and depression, associated with cardiovascular dysfunction, digestive disorders, premature cognitive decline, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, some cancers, and reduced immune system responses. In Latino communities, the most apparent loss was that of not being able to “touch” one another, especially upon greetings (the hug) and at group activities, followed by a reduction in time spent with extended family. Studies after two years (2020–2022) of social isolation showed wide variations in the degrees of effects on different age groups. A general reduction in basic manners, punctuated by avoidance of interactions, and an increase in antisocial behavior were noted. Positive effects included the adoption of coping and adapting mechanisms, and that maintaining good health is one of the most beneficial aspects of managing COVID-19. People using digital technology for communications, learning and boosting their social skills, fared better during the pandemic than those who resisted or lacked access. Can technology prevent loneliness and alienation?
