It became my moral duty to be lonely during Covid-19. What to do now?

CNN - May 2nd, 2025
Open on CNN

Mary Frances Ruskell, a high school senior, reflects on the lasting social and emotional impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on her generation. As she prepares for college, she contrasts the bustling college campus environment she now sees with the deserted campuses she witnessed during her earlier visits amidst pandemic lockdowns. The isolation and social distancing measures, though necessary, have left an indelible mark on young people, affecting their social development and mental health.

Five years post-pandemic, research from Harvard Kennedy School reveals that many young Americans continue to struggle with social isolation and depressive symptoms. Those who were at key developmental stages, such as entering high school or college during lockdowns, report higher rates of isolation. This period has raised questions about the potential long-term effects on identity formation and social skills development, emphasizing the importance of peer interaction during adolescence. Ruskell's personal reflection, underscored by her connection to J.D. Salinger's 'Franny and Zooey,' highlights the challenges and resilience of a generation growing up amidst unprecedented circumstances.

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RATING

6.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The story provides a poignant and personal account of the challenges faced by adolescents during the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on themes of loneliness, social isolation, and identity formation. While the narrative is compelling and relatable, it primarily presents a singular perspective, lacking diverse viewpoints and external sources to support broader claims. The story effectively captures the emotional impact of the pandemic and remains relevant to ongoing discussions about mental health and education. However, its reliance on personal experiences limits its factual accuracy and source quality. Overall, the story is a valuable contribution to the conversation about the pandemic's effects on young people, offering insights into the personal experiences of a generation shaped by unprecedented circumstances.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides a personal narrative that aligns with general historical accounts of the Covid-19 pandemic's impact on social interactions, particularly among adolescents. The claim about the strict social distancing measures and mask mandates in schools is consistent with known public health guidelines during the pandemic. However, the specific reference to a March 2025 poll from the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School requires verification, as the details of this poll are not widely accessible. The narrative accurately captures the psychological impacts of isolation, which are supported by broader research on adolescent development and mental health during the pandemic. Overall, the story is truthful in its personal account but would benefit from additional verifiable sources for some of its broader claims.

6
Balance

The story primarily presents a singular perspective, focusing on the author's personal experiences and reflections on the Covid-19 pandemic. While it provides a compelling narrative of loneliness and social isolation, it lacks a diversity of viewpoints. There is an implicit bias towards the negative impacts of the pandemic, with little exploration of potential positive outcomes or differing experiences of other adolescents. The narrative could be more balanced by including perspectives from peers, educators, or mental health professionals to provide a more comprehensive view of the pandemic's effects on young people.

8
Clarity

The story is well-written, with clear language and a coherent structure that effectively conveys the author's experiences and reflections. The narrative is logically organized, beginning with a description of the author's current situation and reflecting on past experiences during the pandemic. The tone is personal and introspective, which aids in engaging the reader and conveying the emotional impact of the story. However, the inclusion of more factual information and data could enhance clarity by providing a more comprehensive understanding of the broader context.

5
Source quality

The story predominantly relies on the author's personal experiences, which are subjective and not supported by external sources. The only external reference is to a poll from the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School, which lacks detailed citation. The absence of diverse and authoritative sources limits the story's reliability and depth. Incorporating insights from educational institutions, health organizations, or academic studies would enhance the credibility and authority of the narrative.

7
Transparency

The story is transparent in its presentation as a personal narrative, clearly indicating that it is based on the author's experiences and reflections. However, it lacks transparency in terms of methodology or data sources for the broader claims made, such as the effects of the pandemic on adolescent mental health. Greater transparency about the basis of these claims, such as referencing specific studies or expert opinions, would strengthen the story's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://kvia.com/category/health/cnn-health/
  2. https://kion546.com/web/kion/health/
  3. https://www.newspressnow.com/6123/newspressnow.com/cnn-health
  4. https://localnews8.com/category/health/cnn-health/
  5. https://www.dailykos.com/blog/This%20Week%20in%20the%20War%20on%20Women