Mild structure, low pressure: how might we increase young people’s social connection in the COVID-19-era

Abstract

This study aimed to understand how COVID-19 affected social connection, barriers to connection, and generated ideas for creating pro-connection activities and spaces. The approach was guided by design principles and included generative interviews and a group workshop with young people aged 16–24 years. COVID-19 allowed young people to recognize the importance of face-to-face and incidental social contacts and appreciate deeper connections to friends, family, and community. Young people identified barriers and enablers to forming quality social connection as confidence, the time and effort taken to build meaningful friendships, mental health, and cultural identity. Programmes that overtly tackle social connection were considered unappealing and usually reach only those who are already engaged. Instead, social connection is a by-product of other activities that take a ‘mild structure, low pressure’ approach and focus on strengths and interests. Activities and spaces must be free and easy to access and involve multiple engagements over time.

Keywords

• Social connection
• loneliness
• COVID-19
• young people
• friendships
• human-centred design