Social Distancing Is Changing the Way We Write. That's a Problem.

A 2015 study revealed that kids with mild communication disorders were more likely to experience limited social interaction. Now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing the reverse: limited social interaction is negatively affecting our ability to communicate. An executive editor at a B2B marketing agency noticed writers switching from the second-person point of view to third-person, creating distance between the writer and reader. This is because of the need for physical distance. To create connections and bridge spatial gaps, leaders need to monitor the pulse of their team and humanize the brand's voice and tone. They must also be intentional about language, as it has become currency.

The current reality is changing the way we think and communicate. If even minor communication deficits have long-term social challenges, then our lack of social interaction is limiting our ability to communicate effectively. To counter this, leaders need to monitor the pulse of their team, humanize the brand's voice and tone, and be intentional with their language.

When the pandemic ends, the need to create connections through writing and other forms of communication will remain the same. By understanding the value of language and paying closer attention to the words we use, we can improve our ability to create connections both with audiences and with acquaintances.