A third of US young adults who responded to a recent survey have reported an increase in their Religious Faith during the coronavirus.
In addition, nearly half (47%) of those reported that their level of Faith has remained the same during the crisis.
Seven out of 10 respondents who watched an online service say that interacting with people, even virtually, makes them feel more connected. Yet, nearly half of these respondents report feeling isolated because no one has reached out to them individually.
The survey of 1,000 young people aged 13-25 resulted in publication by the Springtide Research Institute of Bloomington, Minnesota of “Belonging: Reconnecting America’s Loneliest Generation”.
Following the study, Springtide interviewed 508 young people aged 18-25, and found that many young adults are experiencing increased levels of isolation, loneliness and anxiety.
Less than 1% of adults who reached out to young people were clergy or Faith leaders.
Despite churches, religious or Faith communities providing online rituals and virtual spaces during this time of social isolation, the survey found that what mitigates the experience of loneliness for young people is the act of caring adults checking in and connecting with them.