It feels like a long time ago that our freedoms were so heavily restricted. With most measures lifted in the UK as of 22nd January 2022, life has slowly been returning to something like normal. Yet some rules remain — such as Covid passports and international travel restrictions. More concerning, though, is the social divide that the pandemic has left behind.

Friends, Family, and the Great Divide

Over the past two years, I’ve noticed tensions rise sharply between friends, families, and colleagues. The so-called “vaxxers” and “anti-vaxxers” often stand firm in their beliefs, quoting statistics or personal stories of people suffering from either the virus or the vaccine. Arguments are fierce, and instead of conversation, many people end up shouting past each other.

Who Can We Trust?

This leads me to the bigger question: where do we get our information from?

Trusted platforms such as the government or mainstream outlets like the BBC no longer inspire the same confidence they once did. Scandals such as “Partygate” — where the very leaders imposing restrictions were breaking them — only fuel public mistrust.

The Role of the Media

The mainstream media, too, feels less impartial than it should. Instead of presenting facts, it often seems to push particular narratives or even political agendas. I grew up believing that the news was meant to be unbiased — a space where people could rely on information being presented fairly. Sadly, that ideal of a free and balanced press feels more like a distant memory.

Alternative Voices

That said, there are still voices trying to present multiple perspectives. Platforms like the Joe Rogan Experience, for example, attempt to host open discussions with guests from across the spectrum. Whether you agree with him or not, at least the format makes space for debate rather than shutting it down.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, what the past few years have shown me is that we need to be more critical about where we get our information. Blindly trusting one source — whether it’s the government, mainstream news, or even independent podcasts — leaves us vulnerable.

A healthy mix of scepticism, open-mindedness, and willingness to listen may be the only way to bridge the divides left behind by the pandemic.