We like to consider ourselves a pretty friendly bunch, but since the pandemic, surely we’ve all noticed the lack of social vibes going on around us?
A new study by Uber has found that 86% of Kiwis are going to extreme lengths to avoid social interaction, and if we’re being honest, it makes a whole lot of sense.
You’d be lying if you said you didn’t because the Uber Pool research reveals that 60% of Kiwis will walk down another aisle at the shops to avoid someone.
Young millennials are the most likely to do this, with a whopping 68% saying they actively avoid people at the shops.
With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, Uber has brought back Uber Pool to encourage us to get back out and socialising with strangers, because let’s be real, we’ve caught ourselves walking across the street just to avoid crossing paths with your old school friend out on their daily dog walk, or keeping our headphones on without any music playing to prevent any awkward conversation with your ex at the supermarket.
Whatever it is, we can’t help but prevent the conversation from going past the subtle eyebrow raise or head nod “hello” - IYKYK.
Continuing on acts of avoidance, more than half of Gen Z (56%) also admitted that they cross the road or head in another direction to steer clear of someone coming toward them.
It’s almost as if we Homer Simpson ourselves out of any social situations.
Some are even going to the lengths of lying, with a surprising 57% of Kiwis admitting to pulling a sickie to miss a social event, but those of us who are Gen Zers are the worst offenders with 72% admitting to doing this.
Look I wasn’t going to be the one to say it, but we are just happy in our Oodie cocoons watching the latest episode of ‘The Kardashians’ - There’s no way you can’t convince me there is anything better than that!
Psychologist Dr Emmanuella Murray commented on the findings: “We all feel a little uncomfortable socialising at times, though some of us are shyer than others. Some people thrive on spending more time alone, whereas others get their energy from being around people.”
“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.”
Look, I’ll consider it, but I can’t make any promises that it’ll be more than a once-a-week thing… baby steps right?!
