The COVID-19 pandemic has completely upended life as we know it. The majority of the world is now either on lockdown or has been told to practice "social distancing" and self-quarantine at home.

Unsurprisingly, that's been causing some problems for people of all ages. It's hard to be social when you're stuck at home and can't visit with friends and family.

With people across generations all on quarantine, it's worth asking: are different age groups coping better or worse? Are Millennials, for instance, proving to be better at maintaining their social lives while staying at home?

First, What is Social Distancing?

Social distancing is a term that was created to remind people of the dangers of getting too close to one another during this global pandemic. Practicing social distancing means not attending large gatherings, staying at home except for essential outings, and keeping about 6 feet between yourself and others when out in public.

For the past few weeks, people in countries all over the world have been encouraged or even mandated to practice social distancing. Its goal is to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, but it's also having an impact on events of all sizes and on life as we know it.

Social Media in Times of Social Isolation - Millennials Know Best!

Many Millennials have been using social media since they were teenagers. Even in non-pandemic times, many people spend about 2.5 hours a day on social media sites. Although it's hard to say how much Millennials are using social media during quarantine, it's safe to say that it's become a refuge for some.

As social distancing has become more and more essential, lots of Millennials are turning to social media platforms to connect with their friends, get ideas for what to do during quarantine, and even sharing all kinds of COVID-19 memes for a laugh to break the tension.

While social media is a poor substitute for in-person interactions, that's just not possible in our world today. Millennials are reaching out and reminding friends that they care and that we'll get through this difficult time together.

Younger Generations Know All the Trendy Social Tech

The main reason that Millennials and Generation Z are continuing to maintain a social life during social distancing protocols is that they're much more comfortable with technology than older generations. They're used to communicating via chat, text, and video, and many of them have entered the workforce as remote work has become more and more common.

Younger generations know how to use all the tech that keeps people connected from afar. They're comfortable with the technology and they know how to leverage it so that Friday night wine chats, Netflix parties, and other virtual events can make quarantine more bearable. For older generations, even getting video chats to work can be a challenge if they're not used to using this technology.

And Who Needs Direct Communication When There's Online Chat & VR

Aside from socializing on Zoom or Facebook, some Millennials are finding other ways to escape reality with friends. Online gaming can be a very social experience, with the help of in-game chat and multiplayer games. From games you play with thousands of strangers to games with just a few close friends, video games are helping people to pass the time and maintain a social life.

As VR (virtual reality) games have become even more popular over the last few years, other Millennials are escaping reality altogether and enjoying some time in a virtual world. Whether they're bringing people together or just giving them some peace during this time, video games have become very popular and are an important part of the social distancing routine for many young people.

Getting Through the Experience—Together But Apart

Social distancing is tough for everyone—there's no getting around it. But if we're going to get through this, we need to remember that we're all in this together. Millennials are using all the tools they have to stay connected and to help their friends and families keep their spirits up.

Although we might miss seeing people in person, it's important to have perspective and to remember how lucky we are. We live in a time of technology that allows us to stay safe while connecting with loved ones. We may all be tired of social distancing already, but at least we're getting through the experience with a little help from our friends.