By Emma Reagan, Special to the Journal
Recently, I had to take my little sister downtown for a meeting. We decided to get there early to grab some coffee and catch up on some studying. We sat at a lovely table in the middle of Market Square; there was a water fountain nearby giving us a calming sound that helped us focus, and that is the moment I realized that we need more third spaces in the United States. However, if we did, I suspect we may not have enough time for them.
I recalled this thought when my professor brought up a conversation about the idea of social well-being. Ever since the pandemic lockdown, it has been difficult for many students, myself included, to make friends. Most of my classmates admit to not having any real friends outside of the classroom. This concerned my professor because students’ social lives used to be their whole world.
Naturally, as human beings, we depend on social interaction for survival. However, American work culture makes it extremely difficult to socialize for the sake of well-being rather than for the sake of work. In America, there is no such thing as being too busy; it is constantly one deadline after the next. Our success is almost measured by how little time we have for ourselves and others.
Not only has our hustle culture become unhealthy, but our social media usage also is out of control. I have noticed a major increase in my phone usage since the pandemic. The second something begins to feel boring, I reach for my phone. This prevents me from connecting to people around me.
According to an article by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2024, loneliness is linked to depression, anxiety, and earlier death. Loneliness can create stress by impacting almost every aspect of one’s life. This, combined with rampant social media use and the inability to connect in person, is a dangerous combination.
A one-size-fits-all cure does not exist for this complicated problem, but there are general things that can help. If you find yourself feeling lonely or disconnected, you can take steps to improve your mindset.
You can find places to be outdoors or around people that can help your overall well-being. At Pellissippi State, you can study at the tutoring center, eat lunch in the cafeteria, or enjoy a nice nature walk around the Hardin Valley pond.
Although the United States has a lack of third spaces, at Pellissippi State, we have many different types of them from which to choose. There are also a plethora of clubs you can join. From painting to coding, you can find any club that interests you on the Pellissippi State website under student engagement. If you cannot find one that interests you, you can start one by talking to someone at Pellissippi’s Student Engagement and Leadership.
Since these conversations began in my class, I have realized I don’t make enough time for those around me. I decided to change that. I have signed up for activities, joined clubs at Pellissippi State, and reached out to old friends.
Having friends and connections at school has helped me to feel more confident. I now have people to fall back on when things get difficult, a community, and a sense of belonging. From my perspective, even though we have to make more of an effort to be around people in the United States, the benefits are definitely worth it.
Because of our distractions in daily life, we rarely make time to have conversations with other people. Consider which third spaces you have access to and what makes them comfortable. If you do not have any, you can find some at Pellissippi State.
Do more things that get you off your phone and make you happy. As an example, the easiest way to boost serotonin is to head to the Student Recreational Center for some Pickleball! Also, don’t be afraid to join a club or invite your friends on a walk. Even though society stresses that success is measured by deadlines, it is not.
