I’d like to start this by issuing a quick disclaimer: I love my friends. I feel incredibly lucky to have so many amazing people around me. Whether we’re laughing over dinner, dancing the night away or drinking a cup of tea in front of the TV, my friends give me a sense of identity and purpose.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit and lockdown was enforced we, like many others across the world, embraced our newfound virtual social lives with a particular vigour. Meeting up on platforms such as Zoom, Houseparty and WhatsApp became our new normal. Virtual drinks, pub quizzes and online games became part and parcel of everyday life. It all felt very exciting.

Until… it wasn’t anymore. As we come to the end of our fifth week of lockdown, the novelty of video calling has long worn off. No longer am I rushing to organise back-to-back Houseparty sessions and spend hours staring at myself on Zoom. The few calls I’ve had since the initial surge have, inevitably, made me feel a million times better, but when it comes to organising things, my motivation has long gone. Why?

“When did the idea of talking to my friends on Zoom start feeling like a chore?”