There is much to criticize about Zoom classes. The intense screen time, the constant distractions and the lack of social interaction make it harder to learn for many students. There is one advantage to online classes however, that students might be reminded of when returning to campus: they reduce social pressure.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) defines social anxiety as the “intense anxiety or fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation.”
In the U.S. 15 million people are officially diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). In addition, there are many people who do not have an official diagnosis or who experience the symptoms of SAD in a less severe form. Whether one has an official diagnosis or just experiences social pressure, there is no doubt that the return to in-person classes puts students in social anxiety-inducing situations much more frequently.
The Sophian talked to some students about their perspectives on the social pressures of returning to in-person classes.
“It’s definitely quite an adjustment,” Lea Jacobs ‘24 said. She explains that returning back to in-person classes has caused stress after being away from campus for a whole year.
Ellie Bodor ‘23 agreed. “I went to one of my classes on zoom the other day and it honestly was a lot less stressful than being in class in-person.” During the pandemic, seeing people only through Zoom cannot be compared to in-person interactions. Bodor expressed that after feeling distanced and detached from social contacts during the pandemic, going to all in-person classes again is a strong contrast that can be quite draining.
This contrast is one that AJ Haller ‘23 experienced as well. During the online year, her “social anxiety was almost non-existent,” Haller said. “It has definitely heightened since I got back.”
During online classes, students who experience symptoms of social anxiety had the option to avoid situations that might be difficult. “I didn’t feel like triggering my anxiety, so I just had the camera off,” Haller explained.
This option does not exist anymore. Adding on to the social stress that students are exposed to on campus is the general increase of anxiety during the pandemic. Data from a study from Statista shows that compared to 2019 the number of adults experiencing anxiety or depression is almost four times as high in 2021. “With the pandemic, my anxiety is in the air all the time,” Haller said.
Aurora Koren ‘22J, Community Health Organizer (CHO) for the Wellness Center at Smith, reminded students who are experiencing this issue that they are not alone. “You are not the only person who is stressed out about having to do in-person presentations again, you are not the only person who is stressed out about entering the dating pool again, you are not the only person having a hard time making friends or making connections.”
For anyone who wants support in coping with these issues, there is the option of talking to a CHO in a one-on-one appointment. Reach out to the Wellness Center to make an appointment.
There seems to be a sentiment among students that it is also important for professors to acknowledge the struggles of adjusting to an in-person campus experience. Professors can support students by being lenient with deadlines, offering occasional online options when possible, and generally being understanding.
Resources from the Wellness Center can be found at wellness@smith.edu, and counseling services at healthservices@smith.edu or by phone at (413) 585-2840.
Resources:
Wellness Center (wellness@smith.edu)
Counseling Services (413-585-2840 or healthservices@smith.edu)
(Photo by Smith College)
