Social anxiety disorder is not simply being shy or introverted; it is a mental health condition that affects at least 7 percent of the U.S. population. The pandemic has worsened social anxiety for many, especially young people, affecting approximately 9-10 percent of adolescents and young adults. This is due to a variety of factors, such as being more socially isolated during the pandemic, pandemic-induced weight gain, health anxiety about being close to others, and simply being out of practice. About 12.1 percent of Americans will suffer from a social anxiety disorder at some point during their lifetimes.
