Surprising way pandemic changed Aussies

A survey of 1000 customers who use the rideshare company Uber found that more than half were socialising less after the worst of the pandemic.

Almost half (48 per cent) of Aussies will walk down another aisle at the shops to avoid someone, with Gen Z the most likely to do this.

Half of that generation also admitted that they crossed the road or headed in another direction to steer clear of someone coming towards them.

More people are also lying about being sick to miss a social event, with two-fifths of people admitting to doing this.

One in four Aussies don’t know or can’t remember the last time they struck up a conversation with a stranger.

Technology is the main weapon people are using to avoid social interactions, with more than a quarter pretending to be on a phone call (28 per cent) or keeping headphones in without music playing (26 per cent) to appear busy.

Why are Aussies going to such lengths to avoid socialising?

Australian psychologist Emmanuella Murray said it was no surprise that people were feeling uneasy about socialising again.

“We have missed many opportunities to meet new people over the past year,” she said.

“We all feel a little uncomfortable socialising at times, though some of us are shyer than others.

“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.”

The Uber research revealed that for those who admitted to socialising less, a third felt awkward and uneasy in social settings, a quarter felt it was too much effort and 42 per cent simply didn’t enjoy socialising as much as they used to.

Here’s some advice for striking up a chat with a stranger

Take social risks: Exposing yourself to situations that you often avoid like striking up a conversation with a stranger can help you learn that a lot of what you worry about doesn’t happen.

Pace yourself: A simple smile or hello with a local barista to begin with and then building on this conversation over time.

Stay present 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Grab a mood boost: The more socially withdrawn we are, the more down we feel. So, get chatting because the more meaningful conversations we have, the better we feel.