How will coronavirus change the world?

COVID-19 has torn through the fabric of our lives all over the world - with over 20M cases and nearly 1M deaths, and a global collapse in GDP that is historically unprecedented. Will it have long term impact, and what will that look like - economically, politically, and socially?

Coronavirus will impact global politics

As coronavirus spreads, political institutions and actors will inevitably react.

Coronavirus will increase isolationism and nationalism

The spread of coronavirus demonstrates the failings of globalisation - travel spread the virus, and our supply chains broke down as a result of lockdown. It will lead to a resurgence of isolationism and nationalism.

Coronavirus will normalize state involvement in all economies

As the global economy takes a nosedive, government will play an ever more important role in our economies. Deep state involvement in the 'free market' will become the new norm even in liberal economies.

Coronavirus will prove the benefits of globalisation

Our coordinated political response to the crisis, as well as our borderless scientific cooperation, and the recognition that COVID-19 touched the whole world, will prove the benefits and sense of globalisation.

Coronavirus will start a revolution in China

China's authoritarian regime is facing intense public pressure over their handling of the coronavirus crisis. China lied about the danger and spread of the disease, and silence Li Wenliang, the doctor who tried to warn the world (and died of COVID-19). The weakness of state authoritarianism has been laid bare.

Coronavirus will damage public perception of individualism

Cultures that put the collective interest over personal freedom will respond better to Coronavirus. This will promote a political culture that sacrifices personal freedoms for the greater good.

Trump will lose the 2020 election because of coronavirus

The response to coronavirus has demonstrated the incompetence of the Trump administration.

Trump will win the election because of coronavirus

Coronavirus will boost Trump's popularity, resulting in a 2020 Presidential win.

Coronavirus will impact the climate crisis

In a time of climate crisis, such a widespread event could have a pivotal impact on the environment.

Coronavirus will help to mitigate climate change

Greenhouse gas emissions have declined dramatically as the outbreak has reduced travel and industrial activities.

Coronavirus will make climate change worse

Public attention and critical resources are being diverted from the climate crisis to handle the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus will impact our societies

On a macro level, coronavirus may have significant social effects.

Coronavirus will break our social bonds

Fear of contagion will mean we retreat from other humans, and seek refuge evermore online. Human interactions will increasingly take place online.

Coronavirus will exacerbate racism

Coronavirus 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.

Coronavirus means the end of the social kiss or handshake

Social 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 improve public perception of health workers

The "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 transform hygiene culture

Masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, and handwashing have all become part of people's daily routine. Our populations will become more germophobic.

Coronavirus will cause an influx of fake news

Our 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 impact our economies

We are already feeling the severe effects of coronavirus on the economy.

Coronavirus will destroy the global economy

GDP collapse, record global unemployment, supply chains shattered, workers unable to perform their work: Coronavirus will destroy the global economy with consequences for years to come.

Coronavirus will crash the gig economy

Zero-hours contracts, and 'Gig' work had become common practice before COVID-19. The pandemic has destroyed much of that economy, in the process highlighting how vulnerable gig workers are in the absence of any workplace safety net.

Coronavirus will impact the way we live

Outside of the 'big picture', coronavirus is likely to have significant impact on our everyday lives.

Coronavirus will end office culture

Fear of infection is compelling organizations to close offices and operate virtually. We will discover productivity gains in virtual working, and workers will migrate away from cities.

Coronavirus will never leave us

The virus is likely to become endemic, infecting, and killing more people year after year. It is almost impossible to stop its transmission.

Coronavirus will reduce smoking

Coronavirus is a respiratory disease, and has been seen to affect those with weakened lungs with much more ferocity. The pandemic will shock millions of smokers into giving up.

Coronavirus marks the beginning of the biblical apocalypse

The Bible prophesies an outbreak of infectious disease will sweep across the world before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
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This page was last edited on Thursday, 3 Sep 2020 at 15:51 UTC