The Note

by Alafair Burke

Curious about whether other people had gone through the same kind of personality shift, she came upon a published study where the researchers found that, early in the pandemic, there was a counterintuitive decrease in neurotic tendencies that contribute to stress. But in the second and third years after the initial onset, the researchers found significant increases in neuroticism and declines in the characteristics that help people to successfully navigate social situations. May felt validated by the findings until she got to the part that noted the personality changes were most pronounced in young people.

But from May’s perspective, it could also be seen as an observation about the current culture, fueled by social media. Put yourself out there on the internet, and the mob will find a reason to take you down, even if you’re just a sweet baby duck trying to eat some ice cream.