COVID-19 lockdowns are still affecting the way that young Australians are socialising, a new study from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has shown.
Findings from the General Social Survey has reported that Australians are overall less satisfied with life since 2019, with the average satisfaction rating dropping from 7.5 to 7.1 per cent.
Mental Health Australia CEO Carolyn Nikoloski said in a ‘Loneliness Awareness Week’ media release that mental wellbeing is directly correlated with the meaningful connections found through socialisation.
“Creating safe and inclusive spaces that support healthy and meaningful social connections for young people … is an important part of our collective response to loneliness,” Ms Nikoloski said.
The study shows that 41.3 per cent of Australians under 25 reported that they had not had face-to-face contact with family or friends outside the home at least once a week for the past three months.
University of Wollongong student, Finbar Kennedy said that the lockdowns had effectively changed the way that people respond to social interactions on a daily basis.
“Everyone had to conform to computerism and that was the final nail in the coffin for the digital age,” Mr Kennedy said
“Following from this, there’s a societal acceptance of social anxiety.
“It’s a given that everyone is a bit socially anxious from their phones.”
Rates of involvement in face-to-face social, political and community groups was similar to that of 2020, but has declined noticeably since pre-COVID years.
About 16.4 per cent of Australians aged 15-24 reported that they often feel very lonely, with some attributing increasing social isolation to a changed socio-economic landscape.
Economic inflation since the pandemic has meant that social outings have become increasingly unaffordable for students who juggle rent and bills.
Households have experienced increased financial stress across all areas that were measured in the study since lockdowns in 2020, including cashflow problems and short-term money raising issues.
“We actually cannot go to the pub and socialise without blowing the paycheck,” Mr Kennedy said.
“Suddenly it’s really hard to be out there and socialise with your friends.” 
Ms Nikoloski said that the easiest way to combat loneliness and foster connection in social settings is to prioritise simple interactions like greetings, compliments or small acts of kindness.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to one of the hotlines for help.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
BeyondBlue: 1300 22 4636
NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
Additional reporting: Bella McCann
