Covid’s Impact on Society

Written by: Alaina Yan

Although the COVID-19 pandemic is nearing its 5th anniversary, its impact on our society still remains evident. The pandemic isolated people around the globe, forcing them to use the internet and virtual calls to connect with one another. Even though some introverts thrived in their new virtual environment, those who relied on physical contact suffered greatly. Despite being able to call family and friends with a swipe of a thumb, the lack of face-to-face communication and body language hurt teenagers and children significantly, leading to a rise of depression and anxiety. 

When the COVID-19 emergency officially ended on May 11, 2023, the world “saw a shift in behaviors.” According to UAB’s article, “How the COVID-19 pandemic changed society,” the isolation “caused many to be separated from their families, and with the unknowns of the economy, many Americans found themselves struggling with mental health.” As the mental health conversation has greatly shifted, however, there has been a large change in available mental health care.” The rise in depression and anxiety shed newly found light on the topic of mental health. For example, the B Well App, an app centered around supporting teenagers, focuses on students and tailoring to each individual's needs. The app provides self-care tips and resources to reach out for help. 

The race for a vaccine was one of the most innovative results of quarantine. The vaccine only took 11 months to create while the previous record was held by the mumps vaccine, taking 5 years. By utilizing mRNA vaccines that induce T and B cells, scientists were able to quickly develop vaccines that effectively protected and boosted the immune system. 

A decline in interconnectedness and trust in communities and others has also been observed. Due to the rampant spread of misinformation and cyberbullying, there “has been a decline in trust of expertise and trust of people.” In our day-to-day lives, society has adapted to become more self-reliant. Rather than place their trust on another individual that could lead them astray, people have become more and more isolated, focused on their own growth and success. 

Ultimately, COVID’s impact on society is extremely poignant through its reach on social, medical, and mental health fields. Even as we reminicine about COVID in the upcoming month, we must take in account both the positive and negative changes it has brought.

Citations:

“How the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Society.” UAB News, www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/12697-how-the-covid-19-pandemic-changed-society#:~:text=COVID%2D19%20changed%20the%20way,to%20the%20 COVID%2D19%20 pandemic. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.