Loneliness, a precursor to more serious mental health issues, is on the rise among teens and young adults. This troubling trend begs the question for colleges rolling out their reopening plans and COVID-19 protocols: As most campuses return in person, will a reprieve from social distancing translate to social thriving?
University of Oregon professor Mark Van Ryzin’s research has shown how designing small-group peer learning with various forms of “interdependence” can incentivize students to collaborate — and to form relationships.