Covid leaves more than half of Australians choosing to spend more time alone

Many Australians are experiencing fears they never had before the Covid-19 pandemic, as they look to their phones for help.

Almost half of all Australians are choosing to spend more time alone since the pandemic began, even though lockdowns have lifted.

And, more than a third are feeling less confident participating in social activities, with one in four saying they are constantly looking at their smartphone for reassurance when out with others.

The results of a survey of 1000 people also found that members of Gen Z have been hit hardest, with half saying they were finding themselves “easily fatigued” after spending time with friends.

Dr Lindsay McMillan, behind the study into Australians new social habits.

Mainstreet Insights co-founder Dr Lindsay McMillan, who is behind the research, said the uncomfortable and awkward social skills were a surprising step backwards.

“Half the population saying they’re choosing to spend time on their own is an alarming statistic when you consider that humans are social creatures and need social connections in order to thrive,” he said.

“Countless medical studies over decades have established that healthy social relationships are a key component of mental and physical wellbeing.”

Ali Caeiro, like 48 per cent of Australians surveyed, is choosing to spend most of her time alone.

Ali Caeiro from the Gold Coast is choosing to spend more time on her own because of Covid. Picture: supplied,

The 45-year-old teacher, who is voluntarily self-isolating on the Gold Coast, is worried about catching Covid, due to an auto-immune disease.

The pandemic has worsened her depression and the two conditions together are exacerbating her desire to stay away from others.

The last time she left the house was a week ago to get some milk.

“I’m in my own non-official lockdown,” Ms Caeiro, who is triple vaccinated, said.

“I do fear catching up with people because of Covid.

“It has had an impact on my mental health.”

Nearly half of Australians are choosing to spend more time alone since the pandemic. Picture: iStock

She said she avoided physically touching anyone if at all possible.

The survey found that physical greetings and conventions may take some time to come back.

Currently, six in 10 Australians are making a conscious effort not to shake hands with others or use other physical greetings such as a hug.

“The pandemic has seen a dramatic change in thinking surrounding physical greetings and if they’re still needed,” Mainstreet co-founder Mark McCrindle said.

Australian Association of Psychologists Director Sahra O’Doherty said when it comes to greetings, “all the rules have changed”.

Sahra O’Doherty, a psychologist working in Sydney's Inner West. Picture: Supplied.

She advised that people should ask permission before physically greeting others.

“You can’t presume how to greet someone anymore,” Ms O’Doherty said.

“You have to ask and if you are rejected, are they rejecting you? Probably not. Is it a reflection of them? Possibly.

“But you have to accept rejection respectfully.”

She said this new change could actually be good for society if it made people consider other people’s feelings.

Originally published as Covid leaves more than half of Australians choosing to spend more time alone