Abstract: In a recent data collection in spring of 2022 Embrace Health Foundation sought specifics about bullying and general social dynamics during a time of the Pandemic time from the various youth groups we had been following.
Methods: Reflective research involved both quantitative and qualitative data from youth groups we have been following aged 19 to 26 years of age.
Findings: General feeling about socialization was that 78 % reflected that they did not have time to be into the same social experiences as before the Pandemic. Reporting that routines were very different and more time alone and changes in socialization made things very different. Reporting that there was more to do and that individuals felt similar experiences and frustrations with the socialization process in general.
The reflective research indicated that 82% of the youth felt a general feeling that frustration and anger in general was replacing regular social dynamics most of the time and they were finding common ground was a way to connect. There was more open connection and a sense of similarity and less of any other type of experiences noted like bullying or negativity towards others.
The reflective research indicated that 76% reported that priorities were different and that socializing was so different that there was a much more simplified approach to socializing and the commonality of experiences and expressions were what the main themes were and very little was reported as negative or bullying in social circles at that specific time.
The reflective research reported that just connecting was a positive for 82% of the group and that they were more open to connecting to others and new individuals in general.
The reflective research indicated that 64% of the group stated they were hoping things will get more social but hoping that the commonality of understanding each other more would be present past the time of the pandemic.
The reflective research indicated that there was a more compassionate feel in the groups by 72% and others felt it was just a dullness or exhaustion more like 4%.
Interpretation: The groups were definitely feeling the changes in the socialization process more and appeared to be learning how to adjust and adapt in their own unique ways. The commonality of experiences and frustrations created a way to connect for these youth as expressed by the vast majority.
The groups did not really elaborate on bullying dynamics at this phase of the pandemic but there was a more calming and supportive type of commonality that seemed to make them more open to socializing and more open to connecting to others they once never really connected to.
Conclusion: That the lived experiences of the Pandemic had created an impact on the lives of youth and they had adapted and felt similar and relative things about their experiences in general.