People Want Connection Now that the Pandemic is Over
Dec 13, 2022
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People naturally crave connection with each other, but that need was put on hold for more than two years when the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020. Many of the things people enjoyed were off-limits, like going to clubs, bars, restaurants, concerts, and conferences.Now that we’re moving into 2023, the pandemic is basically over and people are starting to reconnect – especially through music.
Music is bringing people back together
While some people are happy to have access to restaurants and bars, others are more excited about music. Concerts are back in action and ticket sales are through the roof. People have also resumed booking bands for private parties.
“Now that restrictions have eased, we’re seeing more bookings for live music,” says Chuck Braman, who leads a jazz trio in NYC. “Live music has always, and will always be an important way for people to connect. Music brings people together in ways other activities don’t.”
On the other side of the equation, bands are happy about finally being able to pick up their usual gigs, whether they’re playing at a recognized venue, a restaurant, or a private party. For musicians, playing gigs is a way to connect, so it really comes full circle.
Connection is critical to wellbeing
Most people know connecting with others is important, but didn’t realize just how much until their ability to share that connection was taken away. According to experts, social relationships can impact physical health and that’s why seeing people face-to-face plays an important role in friendships. People need to be able to see each other to connect deeply. The brain actually responds differently to interactions with people in person compared to online, and that difference is what makes in-person connections necessary.
Social distancing and masks made connections hard
Those who had an active social life before the pandemic were especially distraught by the rules of social distancing and the requirement to wear a mask. After all, part of connecting with others involves seeing their faces, reading facial expressions, and laughing together. That’s impossible to do behind a mask.
Wearing masks for so long made the human experience sterile and lifeless. It’s not easy to tell if someone’s smiling under a mask, and since smiling is contagious, people lost those special moments to connect with strangers through a simple smile while walking down the aisle at the grocery store.
Another way masks disrupted the ability to connect is by taking away the ability to judge someone’s reaction. It’s hard to judge a person’s reaction behind a mask, which increases the possibility of a misunderstanding or argument.
We are finally returning to normal
Although the media pushed the idea of a “new normal” being here to stay, we’re finally returning to our previous normal where in-person connections aren’t regulated by rules for social distancing and masks. This is excellent news for those who have really missed connecting with people face-to-face.
Families can finally go out to dinner and enjoy their meal inside the restaurant. Concert goers can attend live shows to experience their favorite bands in person and bands can enjoy performing in front of live audiences. In fact, the return of live music seems to be one of the most important aspects of returning to normal.
Will our “old normal” return for good?
Some people wonder if returning to our “old normal” will stick. It’s hard to say for sure, but it appears that the pandemic is over and even if the coronavirus is still around, it’s not nearly as impactful as it was in the beginning.
There are no lingering restrictions across most of the world, and although some local spots in the U.S. might still have mask mandates, it seems to only be in medical settings and nursing homes.
For now, it’s safe to say that the old normal is back, and people are free to make those in-person connections they’ve been without for so long.