Sydney Martinez, Campus Carrier opinions editor
After COVID-19, our sense of community has taken a serious hit. People barely talk to each other in person anymore and when they do, it is often awkward and forced. Many public spaces that once encouraged socializing have either shut down or become less accessible. On top of that, everyone is glued to their phones, avoiding real conversations in favor of mindless scrolling or half-hearted texting. The decline of third places — those public spaces where people can casually gather and connect — is a growing issue, especially in rural areas where options are already limited.
Third places are essential. Unlike our homes (first places) or workplaces and schools (second places), these spaces give us a chance to interact with others outside of structured obligations. No one is forced to be there and that’s the beauty of it — people go because they want to, not because they must. Think public libraries, parks or coffee shops — places where you can just exist, without feeling pressured to buy something or meet a specific goal. But lately, these spaces are disappearing and without them, people are becoming more isolated.
Let’s be honest: people are not going out of their students are thrown into programs like SOAR, Viking Venture or BCC 100. Otherwise, people stick to social media, texting or even dating apps like Tinder and Hinge just to find someone new to talk to. And while digital communication is convenient, it is a poor substitute for real-life interaction. There is something fundamentally different about talking to someone in person, reading their body language and sharing a moment that isn’t mediated by a screen.
Right now, the most common third places are coffee shops and restaurants — those including both fast food and sit-down restaurants. The problem? They expect you to spend money. Many students and young adults cannot afford to keep buying drinks or food just to have a place to sit and talk. Even on campus, options are limited. The library is a decent third place, but you cannot be loud and some people actually need to study. The campus lawns? Only useful if you have something to do — otherwise, it’s just awkward standing or sitting around. Common rooms were meant to be third places, but there are not enough of them and noise complaints kill the vibe. As for off-campus spots, bowling alleys, gyms, retail stores or bookstores? Again — too expensive for a regular hangout, unless you only satisfy yourself with daily window shopping.
This is especially true in rural areas like Rome, where there just are not that many places to go. There are a handful of coffee shops, restaurants and thrift stores but the options feel repetitive. Once you have been to the same few spots a dozen times, it is hard to stay excited about going out. When public gathering places are limited, social life starts to feel stagnant.
And yet, Berry states on their Student Well-Being and Support page, “We aim to support each student and our campus community in learning ways to care for themselves and others.” That support should include making sure students have spaces where they can connect in a meaningful way. To be fair, Berry does host events and provides common spaces in most buildings, but those only go so far as well. It’s not just a college problem — it is a broader issue in places like Rome, where entertainment and social options are scarce.
People have already started creating their own ways to connect. One of the most ridiculous yet brilliant examples in New York was the Cheese ball man — a man who somehow built a community just by eating cheese balls in public. As silly as it sounds, it proves a point: people want to connect. They just need a space to do it. Maybe one of Berry’s students can try the same.
Bringing back third places is not just about having a spot to hang out and wind down — it is about rebuilding community. Without them, we are stuck in a cycle of isolation, glued to our screens, pretending that sending a DM is the same as having a real conversation. It is not. Whether it’s campuses providing better gathering spaces or small towns investing in more accessible public areas, we need more third places — because without them, there is nowhere left to just exist together.