During the pandemic, online get-togethers like virtual dance parties and happy hours became super popular. They helped people stay connected when everyone was stuck at home.
We all know that real-life festivals and events bring folks together and let them socialize. But not much was known about how virtual gatherings affect people’s social well-being.
Improving loneliness
Researchers from Flinders University and the University of South Australia looked into whether attending events online or in person makes a difference in feeling lonely or socially connected.
Their study showed a clear connection between going to face-to-face events and feeling socially connected. On the flip side, virtual events didn’t really change anything when it came to social connection or loneliness.
The researchers think this makes sense because in-person events allow for casual social moments and the full sensory experience—seeing, smelling, and hearing things—that you just can’t get online.
Sense of belonging
“We know that in-person events such as festivals can bring about feelings of inclusion and create a sense of belonging and attachment to a place. It’s much more difficult to create and maintain social connections in an online environment and the opportunity is limited for attendees to expand beyond their current social circle,” the researchers explain.
The survey, involving 351 people, found that over 40% of them had joined one to three virtual gatherings in 2021. The most popular virtual events were music gatherings, private parties, and online weddings, especially among younger age groups.
Interestingly, more than half of the participants (66%) attended fewer events in 2021 than they did in 2019, clearly showing the impact of COVID-19.
The researchers also looked at how age, living arrangements, and relationship status influenced loneliness and social connectedness. Those over 60 felt the most socially connected and the least lonely, while individuals in their 20s and those not in romantic relationships reported feeling the loneliest.
