Fighting isolation with ‘third places’

When the pandemic made social distancing necessary for one’s safety, we all learned how to cope with the new normal of leading physically sequestered lives. Given that humans are biologically and psychologically wired for social connection, experts warned about a potential social recession—or a decline in collective well-being—and its long-term negative impact on people’s health and quality of life.

True enough, the global increase in the rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness has persisted long after physical restrictions have eased. In the Philippines, 10 to 15 percent of children aged 5 to 15, are affected by mental health problems, while 17 percent of young people reported that they have seriously considered taking their own lives. Depression is a major challenge among older adults as well, with a 5.7 percent depression prevalence rate among those aged 60 and older. In 2023, the US Surgeon General declared an “epidemic of loneliness and isolation,” and warned that lack of social connection is one of the leading causes of premature death. Loneliness has been linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and stroke, with its health risk compared to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.

Just like a muscle, our social skills tend to weaken out of disuse. Studies show that after the pandemic, many individuals, especially young people and older adults, became more hesitant to engage in face-to-face interactions, feeling that they have lost their social skills or confidence after getting used to isolation. The hesitation to connect with other people then causes the quality of interactions to decline, leading one’s social muscles to atrophy even further. This is compounded by work-from-home arrangements that made it easy for a lot of people to continue being socially detached. And while social media platforms have effectively broadened people’s networks, a 2022 survey revealed that a large number of Gen Zers feel socially disconnected despite being hyperconnected digitally— further stressing the irreplaceable importance of in-person connections for our emotional well-being.

Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third places” to refer to spaces outside of the home (the first place) and work (the second place) that enable individuals to gather, converse, and build community. Third places like parks, public libraries, and community centers help prevent and combat social recession because they create opportunities for people to socialize more meaningfully, versus the highly transactional nature of workplace interactions.

In a country with such a strong mall culture, where “malling” is used as a verb, shopping centers have become the default third place for most Filipinos. But malls, by design, require people to spend. This excludes those who cannot afford to regularly participate due to financial constraints. And while mall-sponsored events can promote some engagement, most of these activities are still oriented toward consumerism and are not really as effective in facilitating discourse and involvement that define true third places.

Local governments must be more intentional about cultivating public spaces that are accessible, noncommercial, and community-driven. Among these, investing in increasing and improving public libraries should be one of the focus areas. Apart from providing equitable access to educational materials, they also serve as event hubs that promote community bonding (e.g., read-aloud sessions, digital literacy classes for senior citizens, and public forums). Despite their role in elevating literacy and fostering civic engagement, a 2023 report by the National Library of the Philippines revealed that the total number of public libraries in the Philippines comprises only three percent of the ideal as prescribed by law. Exploring how more public libraries could be bolstered by both public funding and private sector support should be a key priority.

Second, evidence from community development literature suggests that preserving shared rituals that create recurring opportunities for people to come together could help promote community well-being and cohesion. In this light, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the enduring observance of Holy Week traditions in the Philippines as powerful expressions of community life. As a child, I often complained about how shops were closed during Holy Thursday and Good Friday. With age, I now value how it encourages people to take a brief break from materialism and to make space for intergenerational customs rooted in history, spirituality, and belonging.

The prolonged social recession has revealed the importance of a strong sense of community in fostering both personal and collective resilience. We need to reimagine ways to enhance community life through spaces that foster a sense of togetherness, rebuild trust, and strengthen ties. Third places can help us rebuild what is lost by giving us somewhere to go and giving us reasons to belong.