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blogcutterAre you an introvert or an extrovert? Or somewhere in between? And how has that influenced your reaction to measures imposed as a result of the COVID 19 epidemic?
I would definitely place myself on the introvert side of the spectrum. I value my alone-time, although I'm not a total recluse. And I don't like crowds at the best of times. So theoretically, I guess I should be one of those best-placed to weather the social distancing and all the various extraordinary measures dictated by these extraordinary times. Who, then, would be the worst-placed in terms of coming through the ordeal with minimal psychological and emotional harm?
Well, presumably the extroverts, the social butterflies, the life-of-the-party types. We see these folks in all demographics, of course, but in my experience they are most prevalent amongst youth, let's say those in the 15-to-25 age group. Roughly speaking, the upper tier of the post-millennial generation.
Most of these people are becoming more independent, forging connections with people outside their immediate family, getting involved in academic projects, extracurricular activities, finding jobs (whether paid or volunteer) and embarking upon careers. Then along comes this virus and suddenly they are told to go back home and hole up with those people who are their nearest, though not necessarily their dearest - one or more parents, stepparents, siblings and so on. Even if they have their own place, such as an apartment or a room in a university residence, they may well have to vacate those, either because it's been decreed by the university administration or because they are no longer drawing the wages that had till now allowed them (if only barely) to maintain the lifestyle to which they had become accustomed.
When we talk about disaffected youth, delinquency and petty vandalism, gang activity and other serious crime, substance abuse, bullying, suicide or even just kids loitering in malls or glued to their screens - the point usually raised by community groups and public officials is that these young people are bored, they have nothing to do, we need to put recreational programs and homework clubs and youth leadership opportunities in place. We need scout jamborees and Me to We events! But now, in the face of emergency, it is these very groups and officials who are closing these things down.
The saving graces, I suppose, are (a) that young people are likelier than older cohorts to be in relatively robust PHYSICAL health; and (b) that online activity by youth, including texting and social media, can be used for good as well as for evil - they can turn on their devices, tune in to what's going on around them, and drop IN virtually, in a good way.
It's sex and drugs and rock and roll (and other forms of music too) for a different generation. None of the aforementioned things is good or bad in and of itself - it's a question of how it's used.
I would definitely place myself on the introvert side of the spectrum. I value my alone-time, although I'm not a total recluse. And I don't like crowds at the best of times. So theoretically, I guess I should be one of those best-placed to weather the social distancing and all the various extraordinary measures dictated by these extraordinary times. Who, then, would be the worst-placed in terms of coming through the ordeal with minimal psychological and emotional harm?
Well, presumably the extroverts, the social butterflies, the life-of-the-party types. We see these folks in all demographics, of course, but in my experience they are most prevalent amongst youth, let's say those in the 15-to-25 age group. Roughly speaking, the upper tier of the post-millennial generation.
Most of these people are becoming more independent, forging connections with people outside their immediate family, getting involved in academic projects, extracurricular activities, finding jobs (whether paid or volunteer) and embarking upon careers. Then along comes this virus and suddenly they are told to go back home and hole up with those people who are their nearest, though not necessarily their dearest - one or more parents, stepparents, siblings and so on. Even if they have their own place, such as an apartment or a room in a university residence, they may well have to vacate those, either because it's been decreed by the university administration or because they are no longer drawing the wages that had till now allowed them (if only barely) to maintain the lifestyle to which they had become accustomed.
When we talk about disaffected youth, delinquency and petty vandalism, gang activity and other serious crime, substance abuse, bullying, suicide or even just kids loitering in malls or glued to their screens - the point usually raised by community groups and public officials is that these young people are bored, they have nothing to do, we need to put recreational programs and homework clubs and youth leadership opportunities in place. We need scout jamborees and Me to We events! But now, in the face of emergency, it is these very groups and officials who are closing these things down.
The saving graces, I suppose, are (a) that young people are likelier than older cohorts to be in relatively robust PHYSICAL health; and (b) that online activity by youth, including texting and social media, can be used for good as well as for evil - they can turn on their devices, tune in to what's going on around them, and drop IN virtually, in a good way.
It's sex and drugs and rock and roll (and other forms of music too) for a different generation. None of the aforementioned things is good or bad in and of itself - it's a question of how it's used.
