This position holds that coronavirus will have significant social effects. It points to a likely surge in fake news, a transformed hygiene culture, greater appreciation for health workers, intensified racism, frayed social bonds, and perhaps the end of the social kiss and handshake.
Supporting arguments · 6
- Coronavirus means the end of the social kiss or handshakeSocial distancing measures will create a psychological change in how people read personal space. Social greetings will cease to exist as they once did.
- Coronavirus will cause an influx of fake newsOur information system is not fit for purpose, and a global emergency demonstrates this. Social Networks are optimised to spread the shocking and sensational at speed. The panic caused by a global pandemic will test the system to breaking point.
- Coronavirus will transform hygiene cultureMasks, gloves, hand sanitizers, and handwashing have all become part of people's daily routine. Our populations will become more germophobic.
- Coronavirus will improve public perception of health workersThe "heroism" of global frontline workers will resonate more with the public. From doctors and nurses, through to cashiers and delivery workers, our perception of public-facing labour will change for the better, prompting a possible rethink in wage and status.
- Coronavirus will break our social bondsFear of contagion will mean we retreat from other humans, and seek refuge evermore online. Human interactions will increasingly take place online.
- Coronavirus will exacerbate racismCoronavirus is causing an increase in distrust of the perceived ‘Other’. Ideas of national lockdown (eg. New Zealand) or quarantine for foreigners will gain cultural purchase, and reinforce our 'In-Group' sentiment.