People are embedded in social networks and can influence each other positively and negatively. With the outbreak of the pandemic, these networks changed abruptly. As a result of contact constraints, for example, the number of personal contacts has decreased, and that of digital contacts has increased. Changes in social networks can affect mental health, trust, and compliance with political measures. While the content of the network is crucial when considering mental health (quality of individual relationships, composition, size), the structure of the network (interconnectedness of network members) is also important when considering attitudes and behaviors. The theoretical mechanism of contagion explains the influence of the network on attitudinal and behavioral changes. The interaction between the individual and the network are a crucial aspect often neglected due to a lack of data.

Thus, this project aims to describe the long-term social consequences of the Covid 19 pandemic, including social networks, and to derice policy recommendations. These recommendations should, on the one hand, help to emerge from the pandemic with the lowest possible social costs and, on the other hand, prepare for future crises.