Americans are feeling some sort of way about all this social distancing.
A new survey of 1,895 U.S. citizens found 72% said they feel they will reach a “breaking point” by mid-June if stay-at-home orders aren’t lifted by that point. And 100% of the people who participated in the Kelton Global analysis said they would snap if these measures last longer than six months.
Further research found 40% of those in Generation Z, people born between 1995 and 2015, are feeling more alone than those of other generations.
Younger Americans overall seem to be handling the lockdowns worse than others. When the survey was conducted between April 3-6, 59% of Generation Zers said they expect to reach their breaking point after four weeks. And more than a third of young adults ages 18-24 admitted they’re already at their wits’ end.
Sixty-nine percent of respondents said they are “extremely worried” about flying on an airplane again (75% believe air travel will never return to the way it was less than two months ago). Similarly, 76% said the same of taking a cruise, 62% of going to a restaurant, 58% of using a ride-sharing service, and 53% of going to the hospital after suffering a medical emergency during the coronavirus epidemic.
Unfortunately, 21% of those presently fearful of eating out again said they anticipate their anxiety will last forever. Forty-three percent of those currently afraid of taking a cruise also said their fears will be permanent.
Seventy-one percent of respondents said sporting events and concerts will never be the same. Majorities also said movie theaters (67%) and hotels (66%) will be permanently changed.
“Our findings highlight the increasingly serious implications of stay-at-home orders, and puts some urgency on the actions of politicians and organizations who try to manage the COVID-19 fallout,” said Dr. Martin Eichholz, chief insights officer for Kelton Global.
The details of this survey are being released as states like Georgia, Texas, and Colorado are beginning to ease restrictions in some sectors.
Christian author and speaker Josh McDowell told CBN News this week he believes the continued stay-at-home mandates across the country will result in two major problems: a spike in loneliness and pornography addictions.
When the country works through the pandemic, McDowell explained, pastors and ministry leaders need to be prepared “to address loneliness, depression, anxiety and mental health,” as well as offer tools to those working to manage an addiction to pornography.
If you are struggling with an addition to pornography, Faithwire has a seven-week, video-based course, Set Free, handing participants the spiritual and practical tools they need to tackle this sexual sin.