Social Media Replaces my Social Life During Quarantine

The second semester of my fourth year of college was essentially taken away from me. My classes were put online and at first, I was relieved. However, that feeling was only temporary. I moved back in with my parents in Northern Virginia to avoid being stuck in a tiny apartment with my sister and her boyfriend 24/7. It’s weird being back. I feel like a child again. Not necessarily because they treat me like one, but because it’s so easy to revert to old childhood ways when you’re back where you lived a majority of it. I find myself not wanting to cook my own meals, procrastinating on homework, etc. The worst part of all of this though…I can’t socialize with my favorite people in-person anymore!

So, like I said, when VCU announced that classes would be moved online, I felt like I was off the hook. I thought, “This will be so easy. I can quickly get my assignments done and have fun with my friends the rest of the time. I don’t have to worry about waking up early, running late to class, the daunting walk from my apartment to Temple, etc. It will be like a semester of snow days or something.” Wow, was I wrong.

Being in quarantine is anything but fun. I find myself longing for, grieving my old life. I’m confused how to live in this new one. I wonder when the next time I see my friends will be. The next time I can go to the gym or the movies or a bar on a Saturday night. I miss it. I miss the freedom, but more specifically, I miss the social aspect of my life. I find myself using social media more as an attempt to feel connected and it works! So what if my screen time is double or triple what it used to be, right? Who cares! However, nothing can replace making in-person memories at your school, with your friends, in the city you call home.

I hope everyone is staying healthy, safe, and inside! If you are going a little crazy, don’t worry, I am too. We are in this together. No matter how alone you feel, remember that!

-Ranting quarantined 22 year old that misses her friends 😦

Link for featured picture: https://binged.it/3aBN0de